Maldini Undervalues Xabi Alonso and 'Erases' Him from Spain's Ideal Eleven: Pedri...

The journalist Julio Maldonado, known as Maldini, has caused controversy with his analysis of the Spanish national team. He compared the 2010 World Cup-winning line-up in South Africa with that of the 2024 Euro Cup in Germany and left out Xabi Alonso.

Maldini had no doubts about the goalkeeper. He opted for Iker Casillas over Unai Simón, highlighting the former Madrid player's importance in the key moments of 2010.

Defense with Significant Changes

In defense, Carvajal was his choice as right-back instead of Sergio Ramos, although with nuances: "Sergio Ramos is the best Spanish center-back in history, but as a right-back, I choose Carvajal."

He maintained the 2010 center-back pair, Puyol and Piqué, while on the left-back, he surprised by including Cucurella instead of Capdevila.

The Controversy in Midfield

This is where the great controversy arose. Maldini asserted that Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta should be in the team, but he left out Xabi Alonso in favor of Pedri. "If Pedri had played the Euro Cup final, I would put him ahead of Xabi Alonso," he stated.

His words have sparked debate among fans and experts, many of whom consider that Xabi Alonso was key to the success of 2010 and that his vision of the game is hard to match.

David Villa and Lamine Yamal in the Attack

In the forward line, Maldini opted for David Villa and Lamine Yamal, leaving out Fernando Torres. He highlighted the quality of the young Barcelona winger and his great performance in Euro 2024.

Maldini's statements have provoked reactions on social media. Some support his choice of Pedri, while others consider it disrespectful to exclude Xabi Alonso.

The debate remains open: Is Pedri really superior to Xabi Alonso, or can't history be erased so easily?