Three Spanish Midfielders

Mikel Merino, Dani Ceballos, and Rodrigo Hernández. The first two have already stood out in the Second Division with Osasuna and Betis, respectively. The third one hopes to soon make the jump to Villarreal's first team. But they all have a common goal: to make La Rojita the champion of Europe.

Spain shone in their debut against Germany (0-3), and a big part of it was thanks to these three, the starting midfielders of the national team. "The most difficult part was the nerves of the debut, but we knew how to control the game and we kept improving," says Ceballos.

La Rojita based their exhibition on dominating the midfield. Merino scored the 0-1 goal after eight minutes, Rodrigo held Spain defensively in the tough moments, and Ceballos added the magic. The Sevillian feels very comfortable playing between the lines, supported by his two luxury escorts and with the freedom to reach the area: "They are players with whom it is easy to understand," he says. Merino follows the same line as his teammate: "When you play with people of this level, it is very easy." Rodrigo, on the other hand, believes that the secret is that "we get along very well, and that shows on the field."

Unity. The good understanding also translates outside the field of play. "The difference with other national teams is that we are a team, not just a national team. That is the key. We are players chosen from different clubs, but here we are a united team," says Merino.

The hardest part is undoubtedly the distance. "This is very beautiful, but it affects me to be away from home for so long, I am very family-oriented," says Ceballos. However, to make it more bearable, Dani is in charge of the music in the locker room: "Some get upset because I play a lot of flamenco, which is what I like the most. Sometimes they scold me and I have to play them some reggaeton," he comments. To the rhythm of flamenco or reggaeton, depending on Dani Ceballos' decision, Spain will try to beat Russia tomorrow and secure their place in the semifinals of the championship.