In-form Real Madrid defender, Raul Asencio, received his first-ever call-up to the Spanish national team as coach Luis de la Fuente announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old centre-back joins Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez in the 26-man squad, with regulars Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian sidelined due to injury.
De la Fuente has also had to adjust his midfield selection in the absence of Rodri, Spain’s Ballon d’Or-winning star, who remains unavailable.
His spot is filled by Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Barcelona’s Marc Casado, who join a midfield lineup featuring Pedri, Alex Baena, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino.
Spain captain Alvaro Morata, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Milan, will lead a squad packed with attacking firepower, including young sensations Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
The defending Nations League champions and reigning Euro 2024 winners will face the Netherlands in a two-legged quarterfinal, starting with the away fixture in Rotterdam on March 20, before returning to Valencia for the second leg three days later.
Spain Squad for Nations League Quarterfinals:
Goalkeepers:
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
Defenders:
Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Inigo Martinez (Barcelona), Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Raul Asencio (Real Madrid), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG)
Midfielders:
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Marc Casado (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Mikel Merino (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Pedri (Barcelona)
Forwards:
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ayoze (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Galatasaray/TUR), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna), Samu (Porto/POR), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
