Picking a Next-Generation Spain XI

It's been an indifferent summer for Spain at youth level.

The success of the of the U-21 side at the European Championships was supposed to be followed up by more glory for the U-20 and U-19 age groups in their respective competitions.

Unfortunately that wasn't the case.

At the U-20 World Cup in Turkey, Spain, most people's favorites, crashed out to Uruguay at the quarterfinal stage after extra time.

Then, more recently, the U-19 team lost out at the European Championships to a vastly more physical France side in the semifinals.

Despite not completing an historic treble, La Rojita's players still won many admirers. Many of the players who made up the three squads will go on to be mainstays at senior level over the next few years.

The following slides try to decipher who's the cream of the crop and who could form the makeup of Spain's next generation.

*Players already featuring regularly for Spain's first team were not considered.  

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Goalkeeper

David de Gea (22), Manchester United

There aren't many countries in the world where David de Gea wouldn't be first-choice goalkeeper, yet he still can't break into the Spain squad. Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina have been La Roja's three picks for several years now, but it's fully expected that De Gea will eventually take the No. 1 shirt from Casillas.

Honorable Mentions

Joel Robles (23), Everton

An FA Cup winner with Wigan Athletic last season, Joel Robles swapped Atletico Madrid for Everton this summer but will struggle to move ahead of de Gea in his country's pecking order.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (18), Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga would have been in goal for the U-20s at this summer's World Cup but for injury.

Defense

Javier Manquillo (19), Atletico Madrid

It's quite the comment to suggest Javier Manquillo can become Spain's future right-back, considering the competition from the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, Martin Montoya and Hugo Mallo. However, the Atletico Madrid right-back, despite still being young, is that good. 

Alejandro Grimaldo (17), Barcelona

Jordi Alba isn't going anywhere for a while, but, when he does, Alejandro Grimaldo should be ready to take his place. Despite his age he's been a shoe-in in the crop of players which came through to play at this summer's U-20 World Cup. Unfortunately the Barcelona left-back missed out through injury though.

Inigo Martinez (22), Real Sociedad

One of a golden crop of players who have come through at Real Sociedad recently, Inigo Martinez has been called up to the full Spain squad for this week's friendly with Ecuador. If his trajectory continues, a big move beckons sooner rather than later.

Marc Bartra (22), Barcelona 

Marc Bartra is not yet ready to form a weekly partnership with Gerard Pique, but it's hoped that he will become a regular at Camp Nou in the not too distant future. It's difficult to tell how good he can be, but Spain's dearth of centre-backs at younger levels means he's a likely full international in the future.

Honorable Mentions

Jose Gaya (19), Valencia

Young left-back who impressed at this summer's U-19 European Championships.

Juan Bernat (20), Valencia

Normally a midfielder, Juan Bernat featured as a makeshift left-back for Spain U-20s this summer and could find himself there at the Mestalla this season too.

Alberto Moreno (21), Sevilla

Moreno has enjoyed a brilliant 2013 so far and the left-back is responsible for bringing plenty of scouts to Andalusia.

Dani Carvajal (21), Real Madrid

Carvajal is back at Real Madrid after an eye-catching season for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

Martin Montoya (22), Barcelona

Inconsistent but with obvious talent, Martin Montoya is one of many good young right-backs in Spain.

Midfield I

Asier Illarramendi (23), Real Sociedad

The heart of Real Sociedad's successful Champions League push last season, Asier Illarramendi drew mass attention with a string of good performances at this summer's U-21 European Championships. It led to an expensive move to Real Madrid and, as long as he continues to progress, he should become a regular La Roja feature. 

Thiago Alcantara (22), Barcelona

Thiago Alcantara can play deep, central or advanced as a midfielder, but, since swapping Barcelona for Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola seems set to use him deeper. It is there where, despite a hat-trick in an advanced role in the U-21s final, he could revel alongside Illarramendi.  

Honorobale Mentions

Jose Rodriguez (18), Real Madrid

Deep Real Madrid midfielder who captained Spain U-19s this summer.

Saul Niguez (19), Atletico Madrid

The exciting Atletico Madrid midfielder has a big season ahead on loan at La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.

Ruben Pardo (20), Real Sociedad

Likely to be tasked with replacing Illarramendi, Ruben Pardo has the potential to be just as good. He has a slighter frame, but his range of passing could be much superior.

Sergi Roberto (21), Barcelona

Thiago's departure could fast-track Sergi Roberto to more Camp Nou playing time this season.

Midfield II

Gerard Deulofeu (19), Barcelona

Long tipped as Barcelona's next superstar, Gerard Deulofeu's progress has been steady if not remarkable. Off the back of this summer's U-20 World Cup, the youngster has sealed a loan move to join Everton in the Premier League for one season. A big year awaits. 

Oliver Torres (18), Atletico Madrid

On natural talent alone there are not many more gifted players coming through in Spain right now than Oliver Torres. The Atletico Madrid teenager is graceful on the ball like Xavi, yet can create space like Andres Iniesta. The major concern is how Diego Simeone can fit him into his style at the Vicente Calderon. 

Koke (21), Atletico Madrid

Koke has almost come through under the radar thanks to a lot of hard work. The 21-year-old has been a regular under Simeone at Atletico and finds himself in the squad for Spain's friendly against Ecuador on Wednesday. 

Honorable Mentions

Iker Muniain (20), Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder who's progress slightly stalled last season.

Alvaro Vadillo (18), Real Betis

Likened to Cristiano Ronaldo and Joaquin, Real Betis have high hopes for their tricky winger.

Fede Vico (19), Anderlecht

Starred for Cordoba in La Segunda before sealing a summer move to Belgium with Anderlecht.

Sergio Canales (22), Valencia

Desperately unlucky with injuries, Sergio Canales' rise has been constantly halted throughout his career.

Cristian Tello (22), Barcelona

All pace, but still lacking finesse, Cristian Tello could have a bright future in the game.

Forward

Isco (21), Real Madrid

The forwards coming through in Spain don't necessarily represent the quality coming through in other areas. With that in mind, it's not impossible to see the national team continuing with a false nine. Either way, Isco, who joined Real Madrid from Malaga this summer, has a huge part to play in La Roja's future; as a forward or as a midfielder.

Honorable Mentions

Alvaro Morata (20), Real Madrid

Impressed for Spain U-21s off the bench this summer, but it's still not obvious which way Alvaro Morata's career will go. A big season waits.

Jese Rodriguez (20), Real Madrid

Likely to compete with Morata for minutes this season, Jese Rodriguez can play left, right or centrally.

Rodrigo Moreno (22), Benfica

The fourth forward with Real Madrid connections, Benfica's Rodrigo Moreno has been Spain U-21s' choice No. 9 of late.