Rating the Spanish Players at the Confederations Cup

It just wasn't meant to be for Spain.

After cruising through the group stages and dispatching Italy in the semi-final, La Roja looked destined to give Brazil a challenge in the Confederations Cup finale.

Instead, a 3-0 defeat will have many asking questions about the players and coaching staff heading into next summer's World Cup.

Some, like Fernando Torres, were able to boost their stock and regain form, while others were lost within the shuffle, unable to find the field in such a competitive side.

The following slides will rate each Spanish player who participated in the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas 5.5/10

Despite rotating through all three keepers in the group stage, Vicente del Bosque indicated that Casillas is still the main man between the sticks for Spain.

Casillas played well enough in his first two matches. Though beaten by a well-struck free kick from Luis Suarez in Brazil's opening match, Casillas remained strong in goal throughout the game against Italy.

He was, however, unable to stop a penalty kick during the shootout. Luckily for him, neither could Gianluigi Buffon, and Spain advanced.

In the final, Casillas could have been better. He was unable to smother the ball at his feet early on, and Fred managed to scoop it in. Fred beat him again in the second half—a curling effort that Casillas managed to get his fingers too, only for it to careen off the post and into the net.

Victor Valdes 5/10

Valdes played in a less-than-straightforward 3-0 victory against Nigeria. In the final match of the group stage, Spain looked a bit fragile at the back as the athleticism of the Nigerians was able to break down the Spanish defense on more than one occasion.

Fortunately, Valdes looked comfortable, making three saves on the day. He was not tested much but looked strong in goal and ultimately saw through a shutout.

Pepe Reina 5/10

Perhaps the easiest task in the whole tournament, Reina sat in goal during Spain's 10-0 demolition of Tahiti. The Liverpool man encountered just one shot the entire game—but it failed to hit the target.

Defenders

Sergio Ramos 7/10

Ramos was strong in the back through most of the tournament. Nigeria flirted with the goal and the Italians broke through on occasion, but ultimately the Spaniards had conceded just one goal before the final.

Then all hell broke lose. Ramos was no match for Neymar, Fred and Hulk, and failed to convert a penalty kick that could have brought Spain back into the match. He was probably the most sturdy man at the back for the Spaniards, but it was no easy task.

A solid tournament that turned sour after he was beaten by pace and trickery from the Brazilian front line.

Gerard Pique 5.5/10

Like Ramos, Pique had been his usual self at the back. Strong in the air and in possession, Spain's offense makes his job a lot easier.

However, his performance in the final raised question marks, and re enforced ones that have lingered since Barcelona's epic collapse in the Champions League semi-final.

Pique simply could not handle the pace of the Brazilian attack, and looked out of depth in the second half. Neymar was clearly going to beat him for pace so Pique hacked him down in desperation. It was a poor end to an otherwise decent tournament for the Barcelona man.

Arvalo Arbeloa 6/10

Arbeloa made a name for himself at right-back this tournament. He is athletic, mobile and capable of moving about the pitch when Spain are on the ball.

However, his defending leaves something to be desired, and his inability to close down Neymar on the second goal of the final indicates he has room to improve his anticipation skills. He was substituted for Cesar Azpilicueta after picking up a yellow.

Jordi Alba 8/10

Alba was the best defender of the tournament—on offense at least. His two-goal display against Nigeria was remarkable, and he showed his pace and attacking prowess on more than one occasion.

When Spain can't dominate, though, Alba creates problems at the back. He is caught out too often and needs to understand when he can push up high and when he needs to stick to playing his position.

Cesar Azpilicueta 6/10

The Chelsea man played well against Tahiti, moving the ball about with ease. He is a promising option at outside-back and was a useful sub for Arbeloa in the final; though, the game was lost already.

Raul Albiol 5/10

Albiol got the start against Tahiti and made no mistake. La Roja were not tested at all, but Albiol made sure there would be no upset. He put in his shift but ultimately was never going to take time from Ramos or Pique in the games that mattered.

Nacho Monreal 5/10

Monreal got a game against Tahiti and did well. He completed 76 passes that night and was an able presence out on the pitch.

Midfielders

Xavi 6.5/10

Xavi wasn't quite his usual self on the ball. His passing completion rate broke 90 percent just once—against Italy—but reached an uncharacteristic low of 84 percent against Nigeria.

Fine statistics, but not what we have come to expect from the midfield maestro. We did learn, however, that Xavi's defensive capabilities are rather limited.

His value is on the ball and keeping possession, but without the ball, he struggled against athletic opposition.

Andres Iniesta 7.5/10

Iniesta was lively throughout the tournament. His energy and re-direction on the ball are crucial to the advancement of possession for Spain. He was their creative hub throughout their stay in Brazil and provided statistically as well. He chipped in an assist against Nigeria and maintained the transition from midfield to attack.

He was unable to find a rhythm against Brazil, but his effort was there.

Sergio Busquets 5.5/10

The defensive-midfield job required a bit more work than usual for Busquets. He was the strongest in possession out of the trio, but he struggled a bit off the ball.

Jon Obi Mikel outmatched him visibly during the Nigeria match, and the Barcelona man's physicality was questioned against Brazil.

Cesc Fabregas 6/10

Fabregas must be frustrated. He puts in good shifts wherever they throw him on the field, but he can't seem to catch a break.

The midfielder/forward was strong throughout the tournament, but he was unfortunate to pick up an injury that ruled him out of the final stages.

David Silva 6/10

When Spain lacked a punch, Silva was not afraid to look for the killer pass. His cleverness on the ball and ability to pick out runners around the box is highly valued. He chipped in with two goals and two assists to make a strong statistical mark with the side.

Santi Cazorla 6/10

Cazorla offers a quick, clever and technically gifted option in the midfield or on the wings.

His contributions in the opening match against Uruguay—he came in and completed 21 of 22 passes—were rewarded with a look against Tahiti. Cazorla controlled the game and was a key factor in the blowout.

Javier Martinez 5/10 

Martinez provides another strong option in the middle of the park. His physicality is welcomed in a side of diminutive ball players.

He looked comfortable in the side but is not quite at the level needed to consistently earn time.

Jesus Navas 7/10

Manchester City fans should be excited. Navas had a good tournament, displaying his trademark pace against all competition and showing real nerve in the penalty shootout against Italy.

He was able to utilize his speed on the wings in the three matches in which he played, and he certainly left his mark. His winning penalty sent Spain through to the final, and his trickery against Marcelo earned his side a penalty in the final. It's a shame Ramos couldn't take advantage.

Forwards

Roberto Soldado 5/10

Soldado was a bright spot in the opening match against Uruguay. A well-taken goal to seal the game convinced many that Soldado embodied the direct approach needed in the Spanish side.

After getting some rest against Tahiti, Soldado failed to convince against Nigeria. He made great runs and got in behind the defense twice but was unable to convert his chances. It was his last contribution in the tournament.

Perhaps getting more time against Tahiti would have helped him establish himself in the attack.

Juan Mata  7/10

Mata did a great job moving the ball about in the final third. His speed and sharpness helped put Tahiti to the sword, and he chipped in a goal as well.

The Chelsea man notched two assists in the tournament to remind Del Bosque that he is more than capable of producing.

David Villa 6.5/10

Despite playing on the wing for much of his time on the pitch, Villa made his presence felt. He was constantly getting into the box and trying to create space for a shot, though he'll wish he could have converted more.

He did net a hat-trick against Tahiti, and he played Jordi Alba through from a deep free kick against Nigeria to kill the game. A good tournament for Villa overall, but he still looks more at home as a striker.

Pedro 6.5/10

Pedro remains a terrific option in attack for La Roja. His direct nature and ability to blow by defenders would be an asset to any team.

He converted against Uruguay and was so unfortunate to see his shot cleared off the line in the final.

Fernando Torres 7.5/10

Torres was a delight up front for Spain. Admittedly a gamble, a confident Torres is one of the best strikers around.

He struggled a bit in the final, as Spain were unable to threaten for most of the first half. Torres could have improved his movement, though he was unable to get the service he needed.

His four-goal performance against Tahiti was magnificent, and he followed it up with a tally against Nigeria to put the game out of reach. His complacency in front of goal seems to have all but disappeared, and he went home with the Golden Boot.