As Spain cruised to yet another tournament win it was hard to look past their squad for the stand-out players of the recent Uefa Under-21 Championships in Israel. Ominously for those of us not from the Iberian peninsula, not only have their Under-21 side won the past two Championships, but the Under-19s are going for their third straight victory at this summer's tournament in Lithuania. The exceptional well of talent shows no sign yet of drying up; not so much a golden generation as a diamond dynasty. It's perhaps not a surprise so many Spaniards feature in my team of the Under-21 tournament.
Goalkeeper: Orjan Nyland (22, Molde, Norway)
In a tournament in which Spain's David de Gea was hardly tested, the Norwegian shot-stopper stood out as one of the positive surprises. With just a handful of matches to his name in the Norwegian top league for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Molde, Nyland made a name for himself with his brave and aggressive goalkeeping style. Saved Norway from total humiliation with a series of fine first-half saves in their 3-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.
Right-back: Martín Montoya (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Gets the nod ahead of Italy's Giulio Donati thanks to an inspired display in the final which very much illustrated the difference in class between the two best right-backs of the tournament. Tormented opposing defences by streaming forward with incision and purpose. Already on the fringes of the Barcelona first team – and may soon challenge Dani Alves for the regular slot.
Central defender: Iñigo Martínez (22, Real Sociedad, Spain)
The outstanding centre-back in the tournament. Established himself as a regular at club level at the age of 19 and with his calm and composed style he contributed to Real Sociedad's excellent fourth-place finish last campaign. With the exception of an error in position that was exploited to the full by Italy's Ciro Immobile in the final, Martínez's deft left-foot and playing abilities proved vital to Spain's insistence on building from the back.
Central defender: Marc Bartra (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Though not as elegant and eye-catching as his partner in the Spain defence, the Barcelona defender merits a place in the Best XI of a tournament that was not blessed with brilliant centre-backs. Bartra is a mobile central defender who can also slot in at right-back. True to modern Spanish tradition, the understudy to Carles Puyol at Barcelona is comfortable with the ball at his feet and could occasionally be seen involving himself in attacks. An excellent reader of the game who is expected to see more playing time for Barcelona next season, he was the perfect complement to Martínez in the heart of the Spain rearguard, which almost effortlessly cruised its way to the final without conceding a single goal.
Left-back: Daley Blind (23, Ajax, Netherlands)
The most assured member of a Dutch defence that did not always appear too co-ordinated, Blind is a tenacious full-back with leadership qualities and an excellent attitude on the pitch. Maybe not the most refined or adventurous left-back to come out of Dutch football, but no one can doubt the application of the son of Danny Blind, the famous Ajax defender.
Central midfielder: Asier Illarramendi (23, Real Sociedad, Spain)
Another Real Sociedad product whose market value will have increased dramatically on the back of the tournament in Israel. A deep-lying midfielder who dictates the play and is fundamental to the smooth functioning between Spain's defensive and attacking game, he plays with authority and personality and is an excellent reader of the game. With Isco, my outstanding candidate for Player of the Tournament.
Central midfielder: Marco Verratti (20, Paris Saint-Germain, Italy)
Often branded "the new Pirlo" and, although not an identical copy of the Juventus legend, it is an understandable comparison when you compare Verratti's ability to organise the midfield, keep the ball moving and provide the oil in the Italy machinery. Faded somewhat towards the end of the tournament but his performances against the host nation and the Netherlands were outstanding. Already capped at senior level.
Central midfielder: Thiago Alcântara (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Tipped as one of the star players prior to the tournament, the technically gifted Spain captain fulfilled his promise with consistently strong performances throughout and capped his stay in Israel with a first half hat-trick against Italy in the final. The son of the Brazilian 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho is not only a skillful central midfielder with outstanding vision and a sublime range of passing, but is also equipped with a fine work ethic and defensive abilities. Despite rumours of strong interest from the top Premier League sides, the 22-year-old is expected to stay and fight for a regular place at Barcelona next season.
Left forward: Isco (21, Málaga, Spain)
Another no-brainer, the magic Spanish forward was not only the No1 attacking player at the Under-21 European Championship but among the most exciting players in European football last season. The wealth of talent coming through Spanish football is no better illustrated by the fact that the Málaga forward has only got one full cap to his name – for any other European nation he would be an undisputed mainstay. A ball wizard with great balance, one-on-one abilities and amazing vision, he can play anywhere behind the front man, either as an inverted winger or as a classical second striker. Expected to leave Málaga this summer, subject to a €35m buy-out clause.
Right forward: Lorenzo Insigne (22, Napoli, Italy)
Although his tournament was compromised by an injury in the second match, the Napoli winger was still Italy's most consistent attacking threat. An un-Italian kind of forward who is always a thorn in the side of a defender, he is nimble, aggressive and often a handful with his relentless and unpredictable movement off the ball. Added to that he's explosive, has a low centre of gravity and such great self-belief that he's more than happy to have a strike on goal or set out on a solo run. One of the most entertaining players of the tournament, he's expected to make the permanent jump to the senior team and to become a vital player for Rafael Benítez's side at club level.
Centre forward: Alvaro Morata (20, Real Madrid, Spain)
As unthinkable and unfashionable as it may seem, Spain featured something in the shape of a real No9 in this tournament. Morata, new to the Under-21 side but someone who has already made the odd cameo for the Real Madrid first team, was brought in late on the basis of his productivity for their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. The physically impressive forward combined fine footwork and creativity – setting up goals and grabbing four for himself to finish the top scorer – with the ability to strike the ball with power and accuracy with either foot.
Goalkeeper: Orjan Nyland (22, Molde, Norway)
In a tournament in which Spain's David de Gea was hardly tested, the Norwegian shot-stopper stood out as one of the positive surprises. With just a handful of matches to his name in the Norwegian top league for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Molde, Nyland made a name for himself with his brave and aggressive goalkeeping style. Saved Norway from total humiliation with a series of fine first-half saves in their 3-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.
Right-back: Martín Montoya (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Gets the nod ahead of Italy's Giulio Donati thanks to an inspired display in the final which very much illustrated the difference in class between the two best right-backs of the tournament. Tormented opposing defences by streaming forward with incision and purpose. Already on the fringes of the Barcelona first team – and may soon challenge Dani Alves for the regular slot.
Central defender: Iñigo Martínez (22, Real Sociedad, Spain)
The outstanding centre-back in the tournament. Established himself as a regular at club level at the age of 19 and with his calm and composed style he contributed to Real Sociedad's excellent fourth-place finish last campaign. With the exception of an error in position that was exploited to the full by Italy's Ciro Immobile in the final, Martínez's deft left-foot and playing abilities proved vital to Spain's insistence on building from the back.
Central defender: Marc Bartra (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Though not as elegant and eye-catching as his partner in the Spain defence, the Barcelona defender merits a place in the Best XI of a tournament that was not blessed with brilliant centre-backs. Bartra is a mobile central defender who can also slot in at right-back. True to modern Spanish tradition, the understudy to Carles Puyol at Barcelona is comfortable with the ball at his feet and could occasionally be seen involving himself in attacks. An excellent reader of the game who is expected to see more playing time for Barcelona next season, he was the perfect complement to Martínez in the heart of the Spain rearguard, which almost effortlessly cruised its way to the final without conceding a single goal.
Left-back: Daley Blind (23, Ajax, Netherlands)
The most assured member of a Dutch defence that did not always appear too co-ordinated, Blind is a tenacious full-back with leadership qualities and an excellent attitude on the pitch. Maybe not the most refined or adventurous left-back to come out of Dutch football, but no one can doubt the application of the son of Danny Blind, the famous Ajax defender.
Central midfielder: Asier Illarramendi (23, Real Sociedad, Spain)
Another Real Sociedad product whose market value will have increased dramatically on the back of the tournament in Israel. A deep-lying midfielder who dictates the play and is fundamental to the smooth functioning between Spain's defensive and attacking game, he plays with authority and personality and is an excellent reader of the game. With Isco, my outstanding candidate for Player of the Tournament.
Central midfielder: Marco Verratti (20, Paris Saint-Germain, Italy)
Often branded "the new Pirlo" and, although not an identical copy of the Juventus legend, it is an understandable comparison when you compare Verratti's ability to organise the midfield, keep the ball moving and provide the oil in the Italy machinery. Faded somewhat towards the end of the tournament but his performances against the host nation and the Netherlands were outstanding. Already capped at senior level.
Central midfielder: Thiago Alcântara (22, Barcelona, Spain)
Tipped as one of the star players prior to the tournament, the technically gifted Spain captain fulfilled his promise with consistently strong performances throughout and capped his stay in Israel with a first half hat-trick against Italy in the final. The son of the Brazilian 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho is not only a skillful central midfielder with outstanding vision and a sublime range of passing, but is also equipped with a fine work ethic and defensive abilities. Despite rumours of strong interest from the top Premier League sides, the 22-year-old is expected to stay and fight for a regular place at Barcelona next season.
Left forward: Isco (21, Málaga, Spain)
Another no-brainer, the magic Spanish forward was not only the No1 attacking player at the Under-21 European Championship but among the most exciting players in European football last season. The wealth of talent coming through Spanish football is no better illustrated by the fact that the Málaga forward has only got one full cap to his name – for any other European nation he would be an undisputed mainstay. A ball wizard with great balance, one-on-one abilities and amazing vision, he can play anywhere behind the front man, either as an inverted winger or as a classical second striker. Expected to leave Málaga this summer, subject to a €35m buy-out clause.
Right forward: Lorenzo Insigne (22, Napoli, Italy)
Although his tournament was compromised by an injury in the second match, the Napoli winger was still Italy's most consistent attacking threat. An un-Italian kind of forward who is always a thorn in the side of a defender, he is nimble, aggressive and often a handful with his relentless and unpredictable movement off the ball. Added to that he's explosive, has a low centre of gravity and such great self-belief that he's more than happy to have a strike on goal or set out on a solo run. One of the most entertaining players of the tournament, he's expected to make the permanent jump to the senior team and to become a vital player for Rafael Benítez's side at club level.
Centre forward: Alvaro Morata (20, Real Madrid, Spain)
As unthinkable and unfashionable as it may seem, Spain featured something in the shape of a real No9 in this tournament. Morata, new to the Under-21 side but someone who has already made the odd cameo for the Real Madrid first team, was brought in late on the basis of his productivity for their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. The physically impressive forward combined fine footwork and creativity – setting up goals and grabbing four for himself to finish the top scorer – with the ability to strike the ball with power and accuracy with either foot.
