Spain Euro 12: Players Who Must Step Up to Win Title

Spain heads into Euro 2012 as the reigning champions, but winning the title won't be easy this year, complicated by the loss of Carles Puyol, Barcelona's headstrong 34-year-old captain.

But Spain still has the means to win it all, complemented by an impressive crop of young players, some star veterans and plenty of confidence. 

You don't win a championship without getting healthy production across the board, but there are three players who are critical to Spain reaching the promised land, especially after Puyol's injury knocked him out of the tournament.

Gerard Pique

The loss of veteran defender Carles Puyol undoubtedly hurt Spain. His leadership, combined with his experience, will be tough to replace.

An inspired performance by Gerard Pique would help a lot, though. Pique was on the bench for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal at Chelsea and a pivotal league match against Real Madrid, both losses. Pep Guardiola felt Pique had lost his focus.

Now, Pique must assert himself with Puyol absent. This will either be Pique's shining moment, or proof that his head's not in the game.  

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos has made an impressive transition from right back to center back this season for Real Madrid, in part because of his ability to learn at a rapid rate and apply that knowledge quickly. He's only 26 years old, and he's been tremendous for Real. With Puyol gone, Ramos needs to show just how much he's learned, and maybe even display some leadership along the way.

Xavi 

Xavi has simply been spectacular for Barcelona this season. He has 14 goals, marking only the second time he's scored at least 10 goals in 14 seasons with Barca. Unfortunately, Xavi is dealing with an injury of his own, experiencing problems with his Achilles tendon. He has declared he will be fit for Euro '12, but these injuries have a way of lingering.