Real Madrid legend Raul has called on Spain boss Vicente del Bosque to replace the more senior members of the national side with younger players as they look towards the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
La Roja went into the World Cup in Brazil with high hopes of defending the title they won four years ago but were humiliated by Holland in the opening game and followed that up with a 2-0 loss to Chile. Players who have been stalwarts of the side for many years such as Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Villa and Fernando Torres all looked to be jaded in the tournament, and Raul says it is time to move on.
Speaking to the Times of India, the former Spain international, who represented his country between 1996 and 2006, said the older players must be remembered with fondness for what they achieved. But he added it is time to move on.
He stated: “Instead of arguing [that] this individual would have been better than that [one], let’s agree that the generation that brought Spain all the glory is past its prime. Preferably, they should come from the next generation and we must use as many of them as possible in our Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.”
And he continued: “Casillas, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, Xabi Alonso won all that was there to be won but in Brazil, perhaps with the exception of Iniesta, they looked jaded. So we do need replacements. There were too many stalwarts who may not play for Spain again and before banishing them, one must remember with fondness what they have achieved.”
