Luis Milla’s pre-tournament favourites duly delivered in Denmark this month as Spain became the first nation in history to hold the World Cup, European Championships and its Under-21 equivalent at the same time.

Possession and patience, which has been superbly displayed at club level by Barcelona, was replicated by the young prospects of Spain’s national side, and as the tournament progressed, Milla’s charges looked more assured that they would meet expectations.

Only since 2008 has Spain reaped the rewards of their unique playing style by way of tangible rewards. A glimpse at the history of the Spanish side at senior level in major tournaments sees a string of disappointing quarter-final and round-of-16 finishes.

At Under-21 level, Spain have suffered a similar fate over the last decade. Before being crowned champions on Saturday, Spain last won the European Championships at that level in 1998, with a side which included the likes of Michel Salgado, Guti and Juan Carlos Valeron, who all went on to enjoy prosperous careers in La Liga.

Only two members of that squad in 1998, Salgado and Valeron went on to make a significant impact at Spain’s senior level (Guti won just 14 caps). Out of all 20 members of the side that triumphed in Romania 13 years ago, just half of those went on to represent the full national team with six earning eight caps or less.

The latest wave of talent, however, appears to hold more promise for Spain. None of the 1998 squad had previously held full international experience before winning the tournament in Romania, whereas Diego Capel, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata have already represented their country at senior level (the latter two were in Spain’s World Cup winning squad last summer) before sealing the trophy in Denmark.

Winning this summer, as highlighted by the success in 1998, does not automatically guarantee a golden ticket to an illustrious international career. But it’s evident this current crop of Spain’s young elite have had the playing philosophy instilled in them by the same coaches who teach the same approach to the senior players.

At 20, David de Gea already looks experienced beyond his years. A move to Manchester United, which looks a certainty this summer, will only aid the goalkeeper’s education as he looks set to carry the torch from Iker Casillas.

At left-back, Didac buccaneered forward in every game in a similar way you’d see Marcelo venture forward without defensive shackles for Real Madrid but the Espanyol defender also proved to possess a strong end product too. Staying on the flanks, the more advanced Juan Mata was influential in Spain’s success this month. The Valencia wide man mixed pace with guile, and his assuredness on the ball made him look wise beyond his age. Iker Muniain produced similar wonders on the wings which prevented Barcelona’s Jeffren from gaining more playing time in Denmark.

Adrian secured the tournament’s Golden Boot award with give goals in four outings and with the opportunity to shine at Atletico Madrid next season following his free transfer from Deportivo, the striker could see a step up to the national side within the next six months.

In the middle, Thiago’s brilliance, vision and ingenuity was summed up perfectly by Spain’s second goal in the final against the overrun Swiss. Spotting Yann Sommer just metres off his line was one thing, but to drive the ball over the Basel goalkeeper and into the net personifies why the 20-year-old looks destined to cement his place in Barcelona’s first team for years to come.

By contrast, Martinez’s display in Spain’s engine room epitomised the energy and power required to make it at the highest level, but not for the sake of sacrificing technique. The Athletic Bilbao midfielder enjoyed a promising season in La Liga last term, and an exciting future lies ahead for the 22-year-old.

The Under-21 side who lifted the trophy back in 1998 ultimately bred a minority of players who went on to influence the senior side in the remainder of their careers. By contrast, the majority of Milla’s charges appear destined to flourish at senior level.

Spain, it seems, genuinely do seem to possess a bright future.