After Spain’s 1-1 draw with Germany in Group E, Luis Enrique defended his continued selection of Barcelona duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Some Spanish media outlets have criticised the 34-year-old Busquets and the 33-year-old Alba, claiming that they are past their prime and ought to be passed over in favour of more promising young players.
However, they were once more selected for Spain’s starting lineup against the 2014 World Cup champions Germany, and Alba assisted Alvaro Morata’s opening goal with a tantalising cross.
Busquets was less effective in the middle of the field, but he still competed well against a strong German midfield that included players like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Ilkay Gundogan.
Enrique addressed what he believed to be a “campaign” against the two in a press conference following the match, saying both were still essential parts of the otherwise young Spain team.
“Alba is a player at the highest level like Busquets, there is a campaign against them and that’s normal because people are tired of veterans.” Enrique explained.
“I bring them to the national team because they are amazing players. Alba is the best full-back in the world in the final third of the field,”
Enrique has acknowledged trying to convince both players to stay with Spain until the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, because he values them both so highly.
He continued, “Alba is like Busquets; they’ve been trying to force him out for years. “I’m hoping we can persuade him to play in another World Cup.”
Alba will be 37 by the time of the next World Cup, so Enrique’s plans may seem a little far-fetched, but he proved against Germany that he still possesses some dangerous elements in his arsenal.
Busquets appears to have adopted a mentoring role for young Barcelona teammates Gavi and Pedri, forging a telepathic connection akin to the one he had for years with Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
