Gerard Pique's Return to Form in Copa del Rey Final Is Pivotal News for Spain

Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey on Sunday night after beating Sevilla 2-0 after extra time, with Jordi Alba and Neymar the scorers as both sides ended with 10 men.

While the goal-getters will get headlines and Lionel Messi's contribution—including both assists—will rightfully be applauded, another player put in one of his finest performances in some time and should be acknowledged for keeping Barca in the game: Gerard Pique.

The central defender was in imperious form and played a pivotal role in his team doing the double, and the 29-year-old provided a timely reminder that he is not only perhaps the most complete central defender in world football when at the top of his game, but also perhaps Spain's big hope for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2016 championships.

Final

Pique didn't simply defend well, he completely bossed his penalty area and defensive third after partner Javier Mascherano was sent-off just before half-time. Barcelona played out the second half and all of extra time with 10 men, with Pique coming to the fore to repel danger time and time again as Sevilla sought in vain to make their additional man count.

In truth, the Andalucian club can be accused of overplaying at times, but Pique showed commitment and bravery on occasion, as well as good reading of the game and a willingness to put his body on the line.

His composure on the ball was equally important as Sevilla tried to press high upfield, and Pique almost scored with a header at the other end, which would have killed the match off.

The academy graduate was perhaps the most consistently impressive player on the park over the 120 minutes and grew in stature as his team needed him more in the second half and beyond—there was simply no getting past him for Kevin Gameiro and Co., with a block onto the post from Ever Banega a particularly spectacular intervention.

Leader

Pique emerged from simply being a defender to being a figurehead of the club long ago.

His ties to the Catalan region, his blatant anti-Madrid views and habit of surging forward to impact in the final third all make him a standout both on and off the pitch, and his mentality ensures he is one of the Barcelona players to stand up and be counted when most needed more often than not.

Pique showed good form to return Barcelona to winning ways in La Liga after the April blip, culminating in the title, and as much as his defensive work is renowned, it will be his resilience and mental fortitude that is just as important this summer in the international arena.

Euros

Spain head to Euro 2016 with a familiar-looking defence, but that's not necessarily a good thing.

Sergio Ramos has shown uneven form, if we're being kind, over the past few months. A more accurate term might be atrocious from time to time.

Pique certainly enters the summer as the more in-form, reliable and diligent defender, and the front six of the team are not so settled or dominant at this point that the defence will be a non-factor for Spain at the Euros.

Nor is there likely to be much cover; Marc Bartra, a team-mate at club level, will be the third-choice centre-back despite barely featuring this term, and only Mikel San Jose or Saul can provide additional central cover from the options in the preliminary squad.

Add in the scary prospect of Iker Casillas still being Vicente del Bosque's No. 1 goalkeeper and it's clear that Pique could have much to do if he wants to land another piece of silverware in 2016.

His own form hasn't quite reached the heights of 2014-15 in terms of consistency, but Pique is ending 15-16 on a positive note. That's a huge bonus for Spain, and the Barcelona man could easily end up being one of the most important players to impact on just how far they go in France.

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