Euro 2012: Five alternatives to David Villa for Spain

So David Villa, the recurring hero as Spain won the European Championship in 2008, won't be there to help them defend the trophy at 3.953/1. The understudies aren't on his level, but there are at least plenty of them to choose from...

The experienced campaigner
Fernando Torres (top scorer odds: 20.019/1)
Torres got the winner in 2008 after an unremarkable tournament and is their most-capped available forward. However, even accounting for a slight improvement under Roberto Di Matteo, playing him ahead of consistent club starters and scorers would be controversial.

The proven Plan B
Fernando Llorente 19.018/1
A reliable goal-getter, having reached double figures for mid-table Athletic Bilbao every season and fired fairly frequently for Spain. He is at ease with the Spanish style though his frame suggests otherwise, and also offers a varied mode of attack if that fails.

The man in form
Roberto Soldado 36.035/1
Soldado has been La Liga's joint-most prolific Spaniard since the World Cup, yet is regularly shunned by his country. A hat-trick off the bench when finally called upon against Venezuela in February still isn't enough to guarantee the Valencia star's place.

The Spanish Peter Crouch
Alvaro Negredo 85.084/1
The Crouch comparison isn't a reference to style but the fact that, despite not sharing the reputation or popularity of his international team-mates, he regularly delivers. Seven caps have brought about five goals, four in a competitive environment.

The false number nine
Cesc Fabregas 95.094/1, Iker Muniain, Pedro or David Silva
Pep Guardiola's willingness to flood a team with midfielders worked well at Barcelona, and though Spain lack a Lionel Messi, it is a possibility for del Bosque if he doesn't fancy his more traditional strikers. Could this provide Fabregas' route into the side?

Conclusion
Llorente ticks the most boxes and his inclusion wouldn't require the tactical overhaul that many assume. He shares Villa's ability to bring others into play, a necessity if Spain are to be the tournament's top scorers at 4.57/2.