Mata – Spain won’t be fatigued

Spain are undoubtedly a leading team heading to Euro 2012 but there have are those who have questioned whether many of their stars will suffer from fatigue given their long and grueling domestic campaigns.

There are a number of players in the Spain squad who have endured jam-packed and demanding seasons, but there is no questions regarding their talents as the squad boasts 40 winners medals from their respective clubs over the season just gone.

It shows the level the reigning world and European champions are competing at but that success could come at a cost, and without a break from football it could mean the Spanish players struggle come Euro 2012.

One man who doubts this is Chelsea star Juan Mata, who endured a herculean effort with the Blues over the closing months of their campaign, and he could be the one chosen to fill the gap left by David Villa.

He claims there are goal scorers throughout the squad who can compensate for the loss of Barca star Villa, but he is confident Spain are not going to be affected by their players having long and successful seasons.

The 25-year-old said: "It's been a really demanding season for many of us, with loads of minutes in a variety of different competitions.

"But we are all prepared to hit our maximum form. The simple fact is that pride and hunger to win are a greater force than physical tiredness. That won't be our problem."

Mata pin-pinpointed Fernando Torres Álvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente as those capable of stepping up and filling Villa’s boots when it comes to scoring goals, in particularly highlighting his Chelsea team-mate Torres as a man who will be a “vital component” for Spain at Euro 2012.

Need some help with your Euro 2012 bets? Then why not read the latest Harry Redknapp Euro Tips blog? Betfair have signed up the Spurs manager for this summer’s festival of football so make sure you log-on now for the latest Harry Redknapp Tips ahead of England’s first game against France on Monday.