Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, CarlesPuyol, Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Fernando Torres are some of the more renowned Spanish players who were considered to be part of Spain’s ‘’Golden Generation’’ which went on to win major competitions including: The 2008 UEFA Euros, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA Euros.

This golden generation of Spain had world-class players performing alongside each other in a squad that completely dominated starting from 2008 until around 2014.

The majority of those players is either reaching the 30 year old age mark or has already surpassed it and just cannot perform in the same way or dominating fashion as they used to do years ago.

Spain’s coach JulenLopetegui is aware that the golden generation is over and this is why the successor of Vicento del Bosque is giving the chance for the youngster of Spain to show their worth at the international stage as well as players who were never really given the opportunity to demonstrate what they are capable of doing.

"In my opinion, the generation that has just passed is without doubt the most brilliant not just in the history of Spanish football, but one of the best in the history of world football, so comparing anything to that is not fair and would be a mistake but that doesn't mean we haven't got good footballers: we have got good footballers, with ambition, personality and desire’’ Spain’s JulenLopetegui said as he was talking about the golden generation but also said that there are more players who can step up and start a new era of success for Spain.

Iago Aspas, Gerard Deulofeu, Nacho and Thiago Alcantara are a few of the players that JulenLopetegui has recently called up to represent Spain and that weren’t getting the chance to do so previously before.

So far, it appears like these recent call-ups and decisions made by JulenLopetegui has been a positive one as they defeated France in an international friendly match and Spain is at the top of group G of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification stages with 13 points secured from their 5 opening matches.