The final phases are for the summer, but the pandemic drags this into the spring.
And no, the European sub'21 that begins today in Slovenia and Hungary is not one of many competitions postponed in 2020 that are played months later.
2021 was at all times the year set for the Spanish team to defend the title won two years ago in Italy with
Oyarzabal
,
Olmo
,
Fabián
,
Simón
and
Merino,
who are now common - if not essential - in
Luis Enrique's
plans
.
But, going back to the beginning, the tournament is divided so as not to step on the absolute Eurocup, so that in this break of selections the group stage is played, leaving the quarterfinals, semifinals and final for the space that opens the saturated calendar between 31 May and June 6.
To reach the decisive matches, the team led by Luis de la Fuente will have to be one of the two best in the group that shares with Slovenia -one of the hosts-, the Czech Republic and Italy, a priori the great stumbling block for the national team .
This Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m.
(Four), makes his debut against Slovenia.
None of those who were champions two years ago continue under
De la Fuente's
orders
and neither are
Eric García
,
Ferran Torres
,
Bryan Gil
,
Pedro Porro
and
Pedri
, important players in the previous phase who have already made the leap to the absolute .
In the new batch that debuts in Slovenia today, there are many players still unknown to the general public, along with others who have already made a name for themselves.
The
Cucurella
,
Mingueza
,
Fran Beltrán
,
Riqui Puig
,
Guillamón
and
Brahim
.
The most accredited
The Milan striker, on loan from Real Madrid, is a priori the most popular footballer on the list, which he joined in the October break.
His debut with the sub'21 had occurred almost four years ago, when just turned 18 he played the last five minutes of a friendly against Italy.
He was already considered a wonder boy then, having debuted with Manchester City's first team a year earlier, when he was still 17. Real Madrid would soon put their radar on him until they ended up hiring him in January 2019 for 17 million euros.
After a season and a half in white without enjoying too many options, thanks to the saturation of offensive footballers, he now enjoys as a starter - well in the midfielder, well leaning on a band - in one of the best Milan in recent years, led by
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
.
"The connection with him is phenomenal, he demands the maximum from you and brings out the best in yourself," he said about his veteran partner -39 years compared to 21 for Brahim- this week on Radio Marca.
In the background, the hope of returning to Real Madrid with a relevant role.
Now, in the foreground, a European sub'21 in which to claim with the shield of Spain on the chest.
Although it is not yet summer.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more
Luis Enrique
Real Madrid
EurocopaPedro Porro, Guardiola's side makes his way into the Spanish team
Champions From the hell of the 'tifosi' around Isco and Mendy's heaven: "It was rehearsed, but I didn't have to shoot him"
Champions League 2020 - 2021Liverpool, a wounded beast against Real Madrid
See links of interest
2021 business calendar
Monbus Obradoiro - Real Madrid
Barça - Movistar Students