Spain Euro 12: Javi Martinez and More Young Players Who Must Shine

If Spain wants to repeat as European champions at Euro 2012 this summer then they must receive strong performances from several young players who will play a big role in their success such as Javi Martinez.

Spain has injuries in several key areas that will force younger, inexperienced players into starting roles or will make other guys play out of position.

Let's look at three young Spanish players who must shine in Poland and Ukraine.

Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba is Valencia's first choice left back, and he will likely start there for Spain during the European championships as well. He will take over for veteran left back Joan Capdevila, who is not participating in this tournament.

Alba is a strong defender who can also charge up the flanks with good pace. His inexperience in major international tournaments might be a small issue in the group stage, but it shouldn't be a major problem.

Expect the 23-year-old to shine at the back for Spain and be one of the squad's surprisingly strong performers at Euro 2012.

Javi Maritnez

Javi Martinez is capable of shining in the midfield, but since the Spain squad is stacked with four or five world-class midfielders already, the 23-year-old star from Athletic Bilbao will likely play a center back role for Spain at Euro 2012.

Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos will probably start for Spain in the center of the defense, but Martinez will certainly see some action if one of those players needs to come off or manager Vicente del Bosque wants to protect a lead.

Spain will need more strong defenders in the future as some of their current veterans are nearing the end of their international careers.

Thus, Martinez has a great opportunity to prove he can play well on the international stage and cement a spot on the Spanish squad for years to come.

Pedro Rodriguez

Since Spain don't have a lot of depth at striker with David Villa recovering from a broken leg, wingers such as Pedro will have to be effective on the attack.

Pedro is no stranger to important matches with the world watching on the club football stage with Barcelona, but he hasn't played in too many big matches with Spain in major competitions.

Spain will need his pace and goal-scoring ability to be successful at Euro 2012.

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