i think most regard 2010 as the zenith, certainly at that time, which is why i made the point. suppose what i'm saying really, and it could be something a bit different, is that i think del bosque neglected the possibility of continuing with aragaones slightly more direct style (and still winning) in favour of getting all their supreme midfielders and ball players on the pitch. they've become increasingly mired because of it too. costa, morata, llorente, negredo, aduriz etc. not world beaters, and not at level of silva, alonso, fabregas as footballers, (or torres/villa 08) but more than capable of playing in winning teams for spain. just don't think they've ever fully invested in the idea and those strikers have looked more and more like spare parts as a result.