As all major European leagues finished their season during the weekend, the major news in the European footballing landscape featured Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. The Spanish defender was left out of Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for the Euros, which caused an uproar among fans and critics alike.
Ramos’s season has been hit by injuries. He just featured in 21 games in all competitions this campaign, 15 of which were in La Liga. At 35, he is no longer as fast and athletic as he used to be but he is still Spain’s best defender and one of the best defenders in the world. Sergio Ramos is not only Spain’s all time appearance maker with 180, but he is also their 8th leading goal scorer which is phenomenal for a defender.
‘I’d like to send message to Sergio Ramos, our captain, who is not on the list as he has not been able to compete since January in the right condition, or even train,’ Spain manager Luis Enrique said.
‘It was difficult and tough decision but it’s the best thing for the team.’
Sergio Ramos was expectedly disappointment by the decision but accepted the call made by his manager and vowed to continue his return to full fitness by giving himself some well needed rest this summer.
Spain’s defence will be visibly weak without the presence of Sergio Ramos, but they will be boosted by the inclusion of Aymeric Laporte, who is a world class defender in his own right. He will be partnered by either Pau Torres or Eric Garcia in the two centre back positions.
La Roja will be keen on winning their 4th Euro title this summer, which will make it their 3rd in 13 years. However, they will face a tough task if they are to clinch silverware at Wembley.
Spain is placed in group E which includes Poland, Slovakia and Sweden. All their group games will be played at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao which offers them a substantial home advantage, but how they will cope without Serio Ramos will be an interesting thing to look forward to.
