Monday 16 October 2017 12:06, UK
Are Spain on their way back to the top of the international game? Guillem Balague takes a look.
Optimism is building around the Spanish national team after their impressive World Cup qualifying campaign.
Spain took 28 points from a possible 30 in Group G, scoring 36 goals and conceding just three.
The highlight came with their memorable 3-0 win over Italy last month in which Isco looked outstanding.
The bookmakers have installed Spain as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Russia next year, and head coach Julen Lopetegui deserves huge credit for the turnaround after four very disappointing years.
The former U21s coach (and almost Wolves manager) inherited a team that looked well past its best under Vicente del Bosque last summer, but they are unbeaten in 14 games since his appointment.
As well as the successful qualifying campaign, Lopetegui has also steered Spain to impressive friendly victories over Belgium and France.
So what's going right?
First of all, it's clear that Spain have rediscovered their style. They are dominating games in midfield just as they did in the days of Xavi Hernandez. Their passing game has improved noticeably.
But Lopetegui has also freshened things up. Spain have embraced high-pressing tactics, and they are also much quicker in transition. There is purpose to the passing.
Lopetegui is making the most of Spain's amazing strength in depth. Sergio Busquets, David de Gea, David Silva, Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos form the spine of the team, but they are the only guaranteed starters.
Lopetegui rotates his side regularly. The competition for places has created hunger among the players and raised the level of the squad, particularly in midfield.
The stats highlight Lopetegui's rotation policy. With his stunning strike in their recent 1-0 win over Israel, Asier Illaramendi became their 14th different scorer in 14 games.
It might surprise you that David Silva is top of the scoring charts rather than Diego Costa or Alvaro Morata, but it reflects the role of the striker in Lopetegui's system, as well as his historical relevance to the team.
It's about defending from the front and working hard without the ball. It can reduce your striker's goal threat, but that doesn't matter much when there are so many runners from midfield.
Spain do not have the same level of depth in defence, but when putting together an ideal line-up for next summer's tournament, you quickly realise just how strong they are.
In my ideal team, De Gea is in goal with Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba either side of Pique and Ramos. Busquets, Saúl, Isco, Silva and Iniesta make up the midfield, with Costa ahead of Morata up front.
Are there any rising stars who could force their way into the reckoning next summer? Of course there are.
Dani Ceballos is probably the most likely of Spain's current U21 squad - providing he gets more playing opportunities at Real Madrid - and there are two youngsters at Real Sociedad who are also pushing for selection.
Right-back Alvaro Odriozola became the fifth debutant of the Lopetegui era against Albania recently, and he could be needed in Russia if Carvajal's injury problems continue.
Then there is Mikel Oyarzabal. The winger, who made his debut for Spain's senior side last year, has started the domestic season in eye-catching form, and Lopetegui likes him.
Valencia striker Rodrigo is another player who could feature. He is not as young as the others at 26, but he scored his first goal for the national team in the win over Albania. He's certainly worth keeping an eye on.
The next generation of talent is an exciting prospect for Spain, but Lopetegui's side already look like potential world-beaters.
The real test will come in their first major tournament since the disappointments of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, but recent signs are encouraging.
Spain look like they are on their way back to the top.
