Saul Niguez Missing Euro 2016 Could Prove a Huge Boost for Atletico Madrid

Spain are blessed with one of the biggest talent pools in Europe. That is a product of long-established productive academy techniques and programmes, and the natural progression in developing players that comes as a result of success.

It means that even when injuries strike, national team manager Vicente del Bosque has plenty of top-class players to choose from—but even so, there were question marks over some of his selections for the 23-man squad at UEFA Euro 2016.

One of those was the exclusion of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, a versatile talent who had been in exceptional form for two-thirds of the season and certainly merited consideration, but who was axed when Del Bosque whittled down the final few names pre-tournament. It was a disappointment for the player himself, but a move that should ultimately benefit Atletico in a big way for 2016-17.

Breakthrough

Saying Saul merited consideration is putting it somewhat lightly: He was the best young player in La Liga by some distance, and that was noted by the receipt of the title of Revelation of La Liga, which he was awarded at the end of the campaign, per AS (in Spanish), as voted for by journalists.

His real moment to shine came after Tiago's leg-break injury in winter, though he had started and shone in the XI for a few games before the Portuguese midfielder's enforced departure. Still, Tiago's absence meant a gap in the regular XI opened up, and Saul ensured he had the consistency to fill it.

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Saul's ability to play both central and out wide, offensively or defensively, meant he gave Diego Simeone a tactical flexibility without making substitutions, while also perfectly fitting the hard-working defensive aspect of the team and adding to the attacking output.

Key goals against Bayern Munich, Deportivo La Coruna and Benfica showcased his importance with end product, while his reliability and endurance meant he quickly became one of Simeone's most trusted players in the squad.

Del Bosque

Upon taking possession of the Revelation award, Saul admitted, per Marca, he "would have liked to be [at the Euros]," but also noted that if he were to "keep working with my club and sooner or later my chance will come [with the national team]."

He's not wrong—and his chance should come as soon as September. Spain's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers begin that month, and current manager Vicente del Bosque will no longer be in charge. The veteran head coach is set to step down after the Euros, and though there is no indication as to who will replace him yet, it's tough to imagine the new boss not wanting to make at least a couple of changes to the look of the squad.

Saul has to be in position to press his claim, particularly if he makes a good start to next season.

Del Bosque has habitually stuck by his favourites and the players who have served him well, rather than making changes for the sake of the future of the team or when individuals have breakout seasons in La Liga.

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Aritz Aduriz making the squad was a departure from that trend, but taking Bruno Soriano—admittedly excellent, but 32 years of age and not likely to be a long-term option for Spain—over Saul was indicative of Del Bosque's short-term thinking.

It must be hugely frustrating for Saul to witness, particularly with the inclusions of Marc Bartra, who barely featured all season, Mikel San Jose, a squad member who was far less impressive as a midfielder than Saul, and Cesc Fabregas, who is continually included as a starter despite never showing his very best form on the international stage with any consistency or conviction.

2016-17

After a long two-thirds of a season where Saul played the vast majority of matches, and most of them for the full 90 minutes, it's not the worst thing in the world that he'll enjoy a rest this summer—at least from a club perspective.

Next year, it's probable that Saul will be, if not entirely reset to zero, at least having to start on a level playing field with Tiago and Augusto Fernandez for playing time, with Gabi and Koke two of the few who can rest assured of their place.

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He, more than most, will have the intent to impress: firstly to win a regular starting spot again at Atletico, and secondly to show the new Spain boss that he should have been included at the Euros. Saul was called up to the initial pre-tournament squad but has yet to receive his first cap as a full international—while other youngsters such as Denis Suarez, Inaki Williams and Marco Asensio all saw minutes on the pitch for the first time.

It wouldn't be surprising if there was some anger, or at least annoyance, that international recognition came for those less-impressive players from 2015-16 before Saul, especially on the back of losing the UEFA Champions League final shortly beforehand.

Prospect

From Atletico's young squad and from Spain's under-21 (or just above that age group), Saul is the most complete and talented all-round player.

Technical ability aside, his versatility also ensures he'll be included at the international level going forward and will be pivotal to Atleti's progression, with Simeone increasingly switching from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 in games and Saul able to play any one of six or seven roles in the team without seeing his performance level drop.

If he eventually leaves the Vicente Calderon—or La Peineta, if it's after 2017-18—he will command a huge transfer fee, which will only increase if performances continue to impress and improve.

Judging by the character and mental strength the player has shown so far in his career, this setback of being overlooked for Spain will only spur him on to be even better in 2016-17, leaving Atleti to reap the benefits.

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