Best 15Spainof the 2000s

A squad member in 2002 and starter in 2006 who evolved into Spain's defining midfield controller and one of world football's finest passers by 2008–09.

Spain's first-choice goalkeeper at both World Cups, outstanding in the 2002 shootout against the Republic of Ireland, and established as one of the world's elite keepers by the end of the decade.

Made his World Cup debut in 2006 and became an exceptional press-resistant creator whose technique and intelligence were central to Spain's rise late in the decade.

Spain's iconic forward and captain for much of the decade, scoring three times in 2002 and remaining the national team's principal attacking figure through 2006.

Scored three goals at his debut World Cup in 2006 and developed into Spain's most complete and dependable goalscorer during the decade's closing years.

A fiercely competitive and versatile defender who started throughout the 2002 and 2006 campaigns and became the defensive leader of Spain's emerging golden generation.

A key 2006 midfielder who scored against Ukraine and offered elite long-range distribution, tactical discipline and control from deep.

Led Spain's attack at the 2006 World Cup and scored three goals, combining exceptional acceleration with intelligent movement and increasingly clinical finishing.

Spain's captain and defensive authority in 2002, combining leadership and elite positioning with an unusual scoring threat from penalties and set pieces.

An influential 2006 substitute at only 19, including an excellent performance against Tunisia, before developing into one of Europe's leading creative midfielders.

Spain's leading central striker at the 2002 World Cup, where he scored three goals and provided an elite aerial and penalty-area presence.

Spain's most elegant attacking playmaker in the early 2000s, providing exceptional vision and technique while scoring during the 2002 group stage.

Became Spain's starting right-back at the 2006 World Cup while still only 20 and developed into a world-class defender during the latter half of the decade.

A composed defensive midfielder in the 2006 squad who later became indispensable to Spain through his ball recovery, positioning and reliable distribution.

A gifted and explosive winger selected for both World Cups, remembered especially for his dangerous attacking display against South Korea in the 2002 quarter-final.