Will these Barcelona and Atlético stars be vital for Spain’s Euro 2016 hopes?

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Aritz Aduriz – Athletic Bilbao

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With one cap to his name and aged 35, it’s fair to say that Aritz Aduriz probably wasn’t expecting to have overtaken Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, Paco Alcacer and Alvaro Morata as the man to lead the line for his country in France this summer.

However, 36 goals in 55 games in all competitions, including enough to make him the Europa League’s top scorer, have made him the top Spanish scorer this season, and a goal on his first international start against Italy has confirmed that he possesses the quality to compete and form a vital part of Spain’s attack.

Whilst Aduriz lacks the pace and movement that other players have; and Spanish strikers such as David Villa have had in their recent success, he represents the changes in their playing style which has seen them improve on the counter-attack and become more open to long balls.

Whilst most of Spain’s squad is not used to this style, Aduriz thrives on it and brings other players into the game using his superb first touches to bring the ball down.

With attacking wingers like Nolito, Pedro and Lucas Vazquez bombing down the wings, Aduriz represents a vital cog in the new Spanish machine as they seek to make it three European Championships in a row.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Freddy Swift.