0
0
[ad_1]
Alvaro Morata, Ansu Fati, Gerard Moreno can lead Spain to big things at the World Cup – www.espn.com – SOCCER
Alvaro Morata has struggled to find any semblance of consistency between moving clubs and a slew of injuries. DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ansu Fati, Gerard Moreno and Alvaro Morata are three strikers playing in LaLiga who, if they have a special run of games, are sufficiently talented to inspire Spain to winning the World Cup this winter.
It’s just over 90 days until La Roja kick off against Costa Rica in Doha, a month until Spain play Switzerland in their penultimate pre-World Cup warm-up, which means Luis Enrique’s already hawkish attention to detail will be at DEFCON 1 right now regarding his potential squad members’ form, behaviour and fitness. When these three men, who could feasibly line up together in a 4-3-3 formation — Ansu left, Morata in the middle and Moreno on the right — had distinctly different experiences for their club this weekend, Spain’s boss will have been drawing important conclusions.
Ansu began the game on the subs’ bench, but scored and assisted in a startlingly good cameo role during Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad (stream the replay on ESPN+ in the U.S.). Moreno worked like a Trojan at Atletico Madrid and scored in the 97th minute to seal a 2-0 win on a night when, previously, everything he touched turned to mould. The Villarreal forward was creaky, cranky and out of tune… until he scored (stream the replay on ESPN+ in the U.S.).
– ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
Morata is the one who, on the face of it, got nothing from his Sunday night exploits against Moreno & Co. No win, no goal, no assist: no palpable return for the decent shift he put in trying to dent Villarreal’s tremendously disciplined and frustrating defensive structure. But Spain’s hard-nosed, deeply idiosyncratic coach absolutely does not judge on “results only.” Morata was in a direct head-to-head battle with Moreno, and I’m willing to bet that the 29-year-old actually did enough to advance his claim to remain Spain’s starting centre-forward — so long as he’s fit, anyway.
2 Related
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
Admittedly the stats are on my side — Morata has started 17 of the last 21 Spain matches for which he’s been available — and played in 20 of them. The man who has 26 goals in 56 internationals managed to put efforts on target, linked well with Joao Felix and pressed his yellow-shirted opponents.
Meanwhile, long before Villarreal opened the scoring and before Moreno added that late second goal, Villarreal’s saturnine, talented, tough-minded attack-leader was having a bad day at the office. He lashed out at mis-hit volleys, badly mistimed a diving header, and even headed up and onto the bar when he should have scored, before inexplicably choosing to punch the rebound into the net rather than just stopping down properly and heading the ball beyond Jan Oblak.
Typically, however, Moreno was still on the pitch with seconds left in order to profit from a terrific Alfonso Pedraza counterattack and bury Villarreal’s winner.
Gerard Moreno had been rather poor throughout Villarreal’s win over Atletico Madrid, only to score a late insurance goal. Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Some might say that’s the difference between the two men. Morata is sparky, diligent, aerially good and a regular scorer, but he’s too easygoing and lighthearted to be the kind of hard-nosed, win-at-any-cost goal-grabber that Moreno most certainly is.
The junior partner in this equation Ansu is, literally, a phenomenon. There will be plenty of time before the World Cup to analyse his play and appreciate that, after some of the most brutal luck with injuries, operations and recuperation, he genuinely looks as if he’s back. Big time.
The beautiful game lives here. Stream top leagues, tournaments and teams.
Sign up for ESPN+
FRIDAY, AUG. 26
• Freiburg vs. VfL Bochum, 2:30 p.m. ET
• Real Betis vs. Osasuna, 4 p.m. ET
SATURDAY, AUG. 27
• Hertha Berlin vs. Dortmund, 9:30 a.m. ET
• Schalke vs. Union Berlin, 9:30 a.m. ET
• Bayern vs. M’Gladbach, 9:30 a.m. ET
SUNDAY, AUG. 28
• Barcelona vs. Valladolid, 1:30 p.m. ET
• Espanyol vs. Real Madrid, 4 p.m. ET
Nor should anyone ignore Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal) or Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain) either, but Morata is clearly in pole position to occupy that centre-forward spot. His career record sparkles — spells at Real Madrid, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, collecting 19 winners’ medals — yet some will argue that all that glitters isn’t gold.
Morata’s consistently had to bounce around from club to club, seeking approval and in search of a place to call “home,” but in the process, he’s changed radically. We’re looking at someone who’s won the title in Italy and Spain, who’s played in three Champions league finals — scoring in one of them, winning the other two — has been European champion with Spain at two different age categories (and tournament top scorer each time) yet there will be many doubting he can propel Luis Enrique’s team to the big one in Qatar.
Morata’s happy-go-lucky nature and “big kid made it good” personality have might have hindered him being the best version of himself as a footballer. Now, though, he’s come through a brutal back injury and some serious mental anguish; he’s happily married and a dad to three kids plus, crucially, he’s spent years training every day against Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Gigi Buffon. No quarter asked or given there.
Ansu Fati was breathtaking in his substitute appearance as Barcelona strolled vs. Real Sociedad. Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
No longer is Morata the guy who was happy just to be “along for the ride.” Maturity might have come late, but he’s there now. It’s partly thanks to a few successful experiments with psychologists — notably Joaquin Valdes, who has been Luis Enrique’s right-hand man wherever he’s coached.
Last summer, at the height of the abuse he was taking from stupid, intemperate Spain “fans,” Morata explained about Valdes: “He’s been a great help and we don’t just talk about football. Players are simply human beings with our own fears and insecurities, many of which have nothing to do with our profession.
“It’s good to have people around you you can talk to and who can help. We take our bodies to the gym, we use specialist physios to be in peak condition, we are scientific about our diet: why shouldn’t we attempt to ‘train’ the brain?”
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and others to bring you the latest highlights and debate the biggest storylines. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only).
One of Morata’s most common themes is the disparity between football, as a career, and the way other professions evolve and are constructed. He argues: “One of the unfortunate things is that in other professions, you do your University studies, then your Masters and just as you hit your late 20s or early 30s, you’re professionally mature, but the rest of your career lies in front of you. For us, once you hit your mid-30s, that’s when people start to consider you old and past it.”
During the last European Championship, the distasteful rubbishing of his abilities and character reached such a level that he was “struggling to want to get out of bed, not keen to leave my hotel room… until team mates or a conversation with my wife helped bring me out of that.”
Recently, Morata told Mens Health: “Complicated personal moments help teach you to put everything in context. I look at the situation in many countries around the world, and I can accept that losing a match or missing a chance are important, but only to a certain extent.
“Football connects to the emotions of so many people that if things aren’t going well, it’s hard for them to remember we’re only human beings. We need to remember we are healthy, we are lucky to be doing what we do and we have our families to go home to — that’s what really matters in life”.
There’s no feeling of charity from his national team coach because Morata is likeable, open, honest and coming to the sweet part of a personal journey to plenitude. It’s imperative he continues the form, and attitude, he’s shown not only against Villarreal, but in scoring a hat-trick against Juventus in the last pre-season friendly, then two more against Getafe on Matchday 1. However he’s in pole position for Spain partly because he’s fully signed up to the Luis Enrique philosophy.
“All the boss asks of me is to give absolutely everything until I’ve got no energy left, then to raise my arm and ask to come off — that’s fundamental. He wants a kind of link play from me to help us pass out from the back and frankly, I’ve adapted to a style that no team I’ve ever been in has used.
“I think it’s time for the Spain fans to get switched on to the fact that something great is coming. We’ve got good players and if we feel criticised instead of supported, then it’ll be harder to achieve something great.”
Mature Morata: finally. Spain and Atletico stand to benefit if it continues.
[ad_2]
#Alvaro #Morata #Ansu #Fati #Gerard #Moreno #lead #Spain #big #World #Cup
