EURO 2016 Qualifying: Spain’s Form Looks Better Without Diego Costa

Tonight against Macedonia, Spain cruised to an impressive win netting 5 goals to 1 against the European side. This great start to their Euro 2016 Qualifying campaign offers hints of hope for La Roja fans in upcoming matches. The squad was lead by David Silva, Paco Alcácer and Pedro in a familiar formation lacking their single striker, Diego Costa. And truthfully it worked beautifully. The style in which Espana took over the footballing world was elevated to its original height. This isnt to say that Diego Costa is not an asset for the Spanish; it is to say though, that his weaknesses need to be exposed. The biggest one which should be looked at is his lack of adaptability. It has not been in question when it comes to club football, but it certainly came into question under the representation of his Spain shirt.

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The squad without the Brazilian born forward was able to pass with precision, integrate pace properly as a team and attack starting at their back line, in order to generate chances for David Silva on the wing or generate proper passes for Cesc Fabregas. (Who I believe is an enormous asset for Chelsea and will continue to be for Espana). Valencia forward Paco Alcácer made his international debut tonight, offering Vincente Del Bosque flavorful options for his squad 2 years from now. Obviously up for the challenge Alcácer scored the second goal of the night in an aerial tiki taka ball into the net. His appearance for me just solidified the problems that Diego Costa seems to be having.

Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain striker Diego Costa (19) dribbles the ball past El Salvador defender Xavier Garcia (2) in the first half at FedEx Field. Spain won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

These problems can come down to a number of things.

Superficially, it seems as though he gets caught, more than often in very awkward positions. He becomes trapped in the defense; or the passes which come from the midfield into his landing are not precise enough for him to make a chance out of. Another problem could come simply from his lack of understanding of the tiki taka style. Vincente Del Bosque and Spain look as though they have no plans to change or alter their classic style.

On Monday, they proved that the style still works in their favor, as their one touch passing was outstanding. Thus, this could rationalize his struggle with the squad to date. The best Fernando Torres the world ever saw was in and for Spain and his position was the same as Diego’s. Torres was simply always where he needed to be. This is when the lone striker effect worked perfectly for Spain.

Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets (16) kicks the ball against El Salvador at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

With the added attack from full backs the entirety of the team can push the ball forward, initialize the calmness of passing in the midfield and finish the job either on the wing or in the centre. With Costa as the final touch, it hasn’t seemed to work that way. Another thing which is important to point out is the difference between David Silva tonight versus David Silva in the World Cup. His presence for La Roja is vital and he proved that yet again to fans tonight.

The Manchester City man orchestrates threats on the wing and sets up multiple passes to create chances. His aggressiveness is also something that Spain can favor in coming matches. Yet the style worked well with the likes of Paco Alcácer and later, Munir El Haddidi in the 77th minute. Both players of course currently play in La Liga. The same can be said for Diego, but in retrospect his style, like the rest of the team, doesn’t seem to be working with the Chelsea man.

In all fairness, time will tell. Diego only debuted a short time before the World Cup and could simply just need more preparation and ease into the styles of Spain. As long as it doesn’t take 2 years, Espana could have a great thing going once again and find themselves being successful in Euro 2016 Qualifying.