Spain has equaled its all-time unbeaten run of 29 competitive matches despite missing over 20 elite players during recent World Cup qualifying victories, demonstrating the success of a youth development system built on order and talent.
The current Spanish national team under Luis de la Fuente has matched the undefeated streak set by the golden generation featuring Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos. Spain defeated Georgia before beating Bulgaria 4-0 to reach the historic mark.
The Spanish FA\'s youth coordinator Gines Melendez revealed the core philosophy behind the nation\'s sustained success. The system works with players from age 15 to 21 using identical training methods.
\"From the minute the lads arrive aged 15, right up until they are 20 or 21, we work with them in exactly the same way, with the same training drills, until they become automatic,\" Melendez said. \"The boys arrive with plenty of talent but we have to give them order. That\'s the two things which defines our football: order and talent.\"
Spain competed without 20 top-class players in their last two qualifiers. The absent squad included Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata and Nico Williams among others.
The missing players could form a starting XI capable of winning any tournament. No other international team possesses similar depth across all positions.
Georgia coach Willy Sagnol attributed Spain\'s dominance to systematic player development over 20-25 years. The former Bayern Munich defender said Spain produces players with exceptional football intelligence.
\"Do you remember in the 1980s and 1990s -- Spain were good, they played well but they didn\'t win things?\" he said. \"What you see now is a product of 20-25 years good planning and practice by the Spanish FA. Take [Barcelona midfielder] Pedri as an example. He\'s what: about five kilograms? He looks as if he\'d blow away if a strong wind got up.
\"But he\'s one of the two or three best players in the world, best in his position, because he\'s so intelligent. Everything he does is for the team, driving them forward, offering for the ball, finding space, creating space.
\"Spain produces so many players with football intelligence -- that\'s the special thing. Look at it today; they had six or seven top players missing and you wouldn\'t have noticed. They play exactly the same way and at the same level. And they keep producing these wonderful, football-intelligent players.\"
Bulgaria midfielder Ilia Gruev emphasized Spain\'s intelligent ball movement makes them nearly impossible to defend. De la Fuente has utilized at least 63 different players during Spain\'s four-year run that includes a European Championship title and Olympic gold medal.