So who is the greatest Spanish player of all time? and why? I have it down to two players. Xavi Hernandex or Iker Casillas, for what they have accomplished in club and country. There have been many greats, but few have done what the above two have. They are both the best in the world at their positions, few Spanish players have ever been able to say that. Who is yours?
Ive heard alot of Suarez as well, never really seen any video of him. I think people are reluctant to say current players just because they want to seem like they know their history. Has Spain ever been this feared as a national team? The two best players on the team are Iker and Xavi. Maybe they will get due recognition when they retire.
This. But still it doesn't mean that we have to choose a player from the current team. Raul has given a lot and has given for a long time which I doubt for Xavi. Xavi is great, no doubt about it and this Spanish team is the best for at least last 20-30 years (I did not born before that ) but if you are talking about best spanish player till now Raul will be on top in my list. Casillas/Xavi 2nd.
No doubt. But because of his nationality issues, and not playing in a WC, its really hard to say he is the best Spanish player of all time. He is among the all time greats.
Well, he certainly was quiet for the national team when it came to matches played in June/July. Of his "all-time leading" 44 goals, only 6 came in EURO/World Cup finals. 6 goals in 18 finals matches played. And none of those six goals came in the knockout rounds. But he did sky a last-minute penalty in Spain's 2-1 loss to France in the quarterfinals of EURO 2000. "hush", indeed. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWkAm3xDgtQ"]YouTube- Spain 1-2 France EURO 2000[/ame] Great club career on teams where he had Galactico support, so he at least deserves to be in the discussion.
Suarez is the only one to win the Ballon D'Or ever, so he should get my vote. Gento with his 6 European Cups is right after him.
Raul was kinda unlucky with the group of players he had around him though. The current Spanish side has many players who can be considered one of the top 5 in the world in their positions. Had Raul of 1996-2002 played with this current side, he wouldve had much much better numbers. Actually, the only reason his form dropped so dramatically at the turn of the century was because of the galacticos
Raul though in the next decade I'm sure names like Xavi, Casillas, Villa, Fabregas to be added to such debates.
For me it is Xavi hands down but I would also like to mention this fellow. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufD2FmJi-aA"]YouTube- pep guardiola part-1[/ame]
His prime was too short and his career was a bit unfocused. He was also injured about 1/3 of the time, according to his career stats, which is way too frequently to seriously consider him anything of all time. Helluva player, though. My theory is that he's such a good coach because he left unfinished work as a player. He could've been so much better with a bit more drive and ambition and a few less injuries.
For those saying Raul, would Villa be your greatest Spanish player when he passes him in total goals?
If Villa helps lead Spain to WC glory, he won't even need the scoring record (which he'll get anyway) to surpass Raul
Well really I thought the answer to this question would be fairly easy. It has to be Luis Suarez, the only spanish born player to get european player of the year. In addition he also won the Euro with Spain in 64 and helped Inter with back to back European Cups (precurser to the Champions League). No other Spanish born player has achieved all of that. Now if Spain wins this World Cup we'll have a real debate I think.
Xavi has won two CL, best player in 08 euros in addition to having been the second best player in the only Spanish team to win a triplete. I say Xavi has nothing to envy Luis Suarez, who did not compete with S. Americans for European player of the year back then.