Snap shot: Spain's stars of Jerusalem 2013
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
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If the Spanish team that face Germany in Friday's final go on to achieve anything like what their starting XI from 2013 have done, then the future is bright for La Roja. We wind back the clock.
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Spain outclassed Italy in the 2013 U21 EURO final in Jerusalem, running out 4-2 winners to lift the trophy for a fourth time. Looking at what their starting XI from that day have gone on to achieve, it's easy to see why. With La Roja again in the decider, we see where that team are now.
- Looking back at the 2013 final in Jerusalem
- All the build-up to the Spain v Italy semi-final
- Everything you need to know about the game
1. David de Gea
De Gea joined Manchester United just after winning the U21 EURO in 2011; he has since developed into one of the top goalkeepers in the world and is Spain's undisputed No1.
2. Asier Illarramendi
One of the driving forces behind Real Sociedad's march to fourth place in the Liga in 2012/13, midfielder Illarramendi signed for Real Madrid that summer but returned to the Basque club two years later. He made his Spain debut in a June friendly against Colombia.
3. Marc Bartra
A leader of Julen Lopetegui's U21s, defender Bartra spent another three years with Barcelona before beginning a new chapter with Dortmund in 2016. Now 26, he has played 12 times for Spain and is shaping up as a possible successor to Gerard Piqué or Sergio Ramos.
4. Iñigo Martínez
The centre-back has played his entire career at Real Sociedad, amassing 223 games. He will contest the UEFA Europa League group stage next season after helping Eusebio Sacristán's side finish sixth in the Liga.
5. Álvaro Morata
Striker Morata was key to Spain's triumph in Israel, scoring in every group game and the semi-final. He had two years with Juventus after leaving Madrid in 2014, before a dream return to the Merengues last term culminated in a Liga/UEFA Champions League double.
6. Cristian Tello
The Catalan winger competed with Iker Muniain for a place on the right of Spain's attack. Still on Barcelona's books, he spent the past two seasons on loan at Porto and Fiorentina. He is now linked with a switch to Real Betis.
7. Alberto Moreno
The marauding left-back went to Liverpool in summer 2014 after helping Sevilla win the UEFA Europa League. He has made three appearances for Spain's senior side.
8. Isco
An undoubted star of the 2013 event, the Malaga-born midfielder joined Real Madrid soon after becoming a European champion in Israel. Last term was his best yet, helping Zinédine Zidane's team to the double with some awesome, decisive displays late in the campaign. In Cardiff, he landed a third UEFA Champions League medal in four years.
9. Martín Montoya
Preferred to Dani Carvajal in Israel, the full-back could not hold down a place in Barça's first team. After 67 outings for the Blaugrana, he embarked for pastures new in 2015, signing for Internazionale then Betis on loan, followed by a permanent switch to Valencia last year.
10. Thiago Alcántara
Having shone in Denmark two years earlier, the playmaker was named player of the tournament in Israel and captained the side to a second straight U21 EURO triumph, hitting a hat-trick in the final. Later that summer he left Barcelona for Bayern, where he has lifted nine trophies. A regular fixture in the senior Spain team.
11. Koke
Part of the furniture at Atlético Madrid, where he has contributed to five trophy wins and two UEFA Champions League final appearances. The midfielder recently penned a new deal until 2024 (when he will be 32), so will be adding to a remarkable tally of 323 matches for the club.