The Tottenham Hotspur defender, Pedro Porro was exceptional this season. However, he did not get the international call-up to be in the Spanish squad. A squad of 29 players was formed but Porro did not make the cut. The Spurs defender scored three goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League. He was also one of the best right-backs this campaign. Although he was expected to be in Spain’s squad, the head coach, Luis De La Fuente chose Jesus Navas over Porro. The Spanish coach’s decision was a shocker for all, but he explained why he chose Navas over the Spurs man.
Why did De La Fuente choose Navas over Porro?
Despite Porro being a standout player in the Premier League, the head coach chose Dani Carvajal and Navas instead. The fans had several questions as to why Pedro Porro was not included in the squad. To this, De La Fuente responded saying that Navas could be a contributor to the team.
The Spanish coach said,
“He (Navas) is one of the captains, he is an example, he is part of the history of our team. He’s won a World Cup, a European Championship and a Nations League. He is an example every day, he transmits it to all of us. He can contribute a lot to us in the dressing room, in addition to all his football talent.”
De La Fuente further added,
“There are footballers who are born to compete for their clubs, but especially in the national team. He is one of them who transforms when he puts on the national team shirt.”
De La Fuente also mentioned that he is delighted to have someone like Navas in the squad, who is excited even after winning everything.
Three players will be removed from the 29-man Spanish squad
Currently, the squad consists of four goalkeepers including Arsenal’s David Raya, Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro, and Unai Simon from Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish defenders selected are Navas, Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Dani Vivian, Alejandro Grimaldo, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella. Moreover, Pau Cubarsi and Nacho from the La Liga are also part of the squad.
Spain also have a tough set of midfielders in the team despite losing out on Gavi and Lucas Vazquez due to injury struggles. The midfielders in the Spanish team are Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, Pedri and Fermin Lopez from Barcelona, Marcos Llorente, Aleic Garcia, Alex Baena, Fabian Ruiz and Manchester City’s Rodri. Furthermore, all of Spain’s forwards have been in great form recently, which could make it a big positive for the team.
Spain has a side with young and talented strikers
De La Fuente chose eight strikers in his provisional squad ahead of the Euros. Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig, Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Alvaro Morata from Atletico, Joselu from Real Madrid, Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad and Ayoze Perez from Real Betis are the strikers in Spain’s 29-man squad. Nico Williams is just 21-years-old while Lamine Yamal is only 16. Yamal is the youngest player and the youngest goal scorer in the Spanish national team. Although Spain’s senior players are exceptional, the youngsters have stood out as well. The other nations in Spain’s group are Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Spain will play their first game on 15th June against Croatia. It is difficult to predict who will come out on top in this Euros with so many nations having such strong squads. However, it will surely be an exciting campaign.
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