"Pique, Puyol and Ramos are the best three Spanish centre-backs ever"

Spain are already preparing for the World Cup. It will be the first time in many years that neither Sergio Ramos nor Gerard Pique will be there, the centre-back partnership which were a key part in 'La Roja's' successes.

Fernando Hierro, who is in Mexico as Chivas' new sporting director, was asked by 'AS' about the Barcelona centre-back's early retirement. 

"His timing surprised me, and the fact that it was so immediate. He was one of the best centre-backs in the world. The partnership he formed with Ramos was unparalleled. I wish him all the best for his life. He's a very qualified guy, and I have a lot of love for him. He is, together with Ramos and maybe Puyol, one of the best three Spanish centre-backs of all time", he explained.

"It's all a question of taste. You also have to take into account Manolo Sanchis, but the Pique-Ramos pairing was very impressive and long-lasting", the ex-Real Madrid player argued.

With regards to Spain in Qatar, he admitted that it is "a side in transition of generations, with very clear leadership with personality and with very clear ideas". "We're going to see a daring side, pressing the opposition high. Having said that, I think Spain are one of the main contenders", he added.

Another name that was mentioned was Fede Valverde: "Forlan told me that he was the diamond that Madrid got. He's a modern player, very physical, with a great shot and a lot of confidence.He's your classic English box-to-box who has matured and managed to show his full potential, but he can still get a bit more".