Spain's special generation of players between 2008 and 2012 will always be associated with midfield mastery. La Roja's three tournament triumphs in that time – Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – were inspired, after all, by some of the best midfielders in history. The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso set Spain apart from the rest in an era-defining side.
But that team possessed some top talent in attack, too, and over the years Spain have been blessed with outstanding forward players. Here, a look at some of the very best..
. 34. Aritz Aduriz Aritz Aduriz got better with age and was particularly impressive in his third spell at Athletic Club, scoring close to 150 goals in an eight-year stint at San Mames.
After winning a sole Spain cap in 2010, Aduriz returned to the national team in 2016 and scored in games against Italy and North Macedonia. He netted twice in 13 games overall for La Roja. 33.
Jesus Maria Satrustegui Jesus Maria Satrustegui played for his entire career at Real Sociedad and was part of the team which won back-to-back La Liga titles in the early 1980s. Satrustegui scored eight goals in 32 caps, including one in Spain's first-ever win at Wembley in 1981. After suffering a serious injury in 1982, he never fully recovered and did not play for his country again.
32. Lamine Yamal Lamine Yamal made his full international debut for Spain at the age of 16 and 57 days and the youngster's extraordinary talent ma.
