How Spain could line up at the Tokyo Olympics
By Max Cooper
Football is on a roll, and no one can stop it.
We've been treated to over 12 months of non-stop action, with the delayed end to the 2019/20 season, the entirety of the following campaign, and the luxury of the European Championship and Copa America.
You'd think the football world would just take a break, and give everyone (fans and players alike) the chance to recharge their batteries ahead of another domestic season. But NO! We have the Olympics, and frankly, we couldn't be happier.
Kicking off the action is Spain, with plenty of their squad still recovering from Euro 2020 semi-final heartbreak. But which players should start their Group C clash with Egypt?
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Unai Simon (GK) - He was the hero of the knockout stages for Spain, helping them through one penalty shootout, and doing his best against eventual champions Italy in the semi-final. Simon's proven his worth, that's for sure.
Oscar Gil (RB) - In at right-back, coach Luis de la Fuente will probably start with Gil, who is coming off the back of a solid season with Segunda division title-winners Espanyol.
Pau Torres (CB) - What an incredible (and long) season it's been for Torres! A Europa League winner with Villarreal, a great campaign with Spain in the summer and now an Olympic appearance.
Eric Garcia (CB) - Partnering Torres should be Garcia, who played his part in Spain's Euro 2020 run, featuring in the semi-final defeat to Italy. A fearsome duo.
Juan Miranda (LB) - Completing the backline could be Miranda, who spent last season on loan at Real Betis, and has completed a permanent move there after a decent campaign.
2. Midfielders
Dani Ceballos (CM) - The former Arsenal loanee endured a tough second season in England, and that put an end to his Euro 2020 hopes. Still, he's got a chance to impress for his nation this time round.
Mikel Merino (CM) - He's only just burst onto the international stage for Spain, but Merino could cement his place in Luis Enrique's plans with some good performances in Tokyo.
Pedri (CM) - Playing his 786th game of the calendar year, Pedri will probably round off the midfield trio. The kid is a magician and a joy to watch. Let's not get greedy and burn him out, though.
3. Forwards
Marco Asensio (RW) - His decent end of season form wasn't enough to earn a spot in Spain's Euro 2020 adventure, but Asensio has been granted an Olympic trip.
Dani Olmo (ST) - The RB Leipzig star shone at Euro 2020 and caused Italy all sorts of problems with his display as a false nine in the semi-final. Expect the same again from Olmo.
Mikel Oyarzabal (LW) - This man tormented Italy at Wembley - if only he'd had his shooting boots on. Still, Oyarzabal is an exciting player and a dangerous weapon.