DonAndres
Wild Man of Borneo
I'm not saying that it's at all likely, just saying that's what I would go with. While Alonso is no doubt a key player for Madrid, Koke provides control along with energy and fluidity in attack, unlike Alonso who is slow on the ball and overhits passes. Spain were overrun against Brazil but to say that it's simply because of Alonso being missing is just looking for a convenient reason. They lacked intensity towards the end of the tournament and played a lineup of players that was completely technical, incapable of being able to compete in terms of physicality or fitness. Koke is a complete midfield player, a young Spanish Schweinsteiger for comparison, he helps not only keep balanced buildup but he has stamina and helps out on the defensive end very well (he's actually ahead of Alonso in tackles per game and shows the kind of defensive capabilities that Spain need such as pressing and covering whereas Alonso just provides roughness and brute force). This goes along with the fact that Koke and Costa link up very well and would create a dual direct attacking outlet to add to Spain's technical oriented play.
Besides, with Spain having so many midfield options there are a huge number of possible lineups that could be played for different purposes. Cesc-Koke could work very well for energy and directness with just the right amount of control. Xavi-Iniesta would dominate small teams. Alonso can make his way in for different situations as well (when the play actually needs to be slowed down).
I mentioned above why I feel Alonso's influence on the team has its flaws and why having a more evolved player (Koke) for that role would help more on both ends keeping the overall play from being slow yet still providing help in defense. That plus a combination of other players in my lineup such as Navas, Costa, and Bartra helping out defensively would make Spain a much more complete defensive unit than the team we saw vs Brazil who were all technically gifted but lacking in other very important qualities.
Bartra has gotten so much more playing time this season than last, and will develop further in the second half. I think and hope that Tata will start depending on him more often, and it's easy to see that he has the ideal CB qualities for Spain. He is more imposing and direct than Pique in defense, and much smarter than Ramos. Seems like a perfect blend and if he works his way to a permanent starting position at Barca soon, he'll easily be a shoe-in for Spain's central defense.
