Raúl Asencio called up for Spain’s squad « Euro Weekly News

Spain’s national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, has handed Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio his first senior international call-up for the upcoming Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands.

The 22-year-old defender has been making waves this season, and his meteoric rise has now earned him a place among Spain’s elite.

The first leg of the quarter-final clash is set for 20 March in Rotterdam, followed by the return leg at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium on 23 March. Asencio’s inclusion comes as a reward for his impressive performances at Real Madrid, where he went from playing for Castilla in Spain’s third tier to becoming a regular under Carlo Ancelotti in just a matter of months.

The centre-back was not originally seen as a top prospect for Madrid’s first team, but injuries to Éder Militão, Joan Martínez, and Jacobo Ramón opened the door, and Asencio took full advantage. His standout performances not only solidified his role at Madrid but also convinced De la Fuente to give him a shot at international level.

Isco and Gavi left out: Spain’s surprising squad choices

While Asencio’s call-up is the biggest talking point, Gavi and Isco have both been left out. Gavi, who has been struggling with fitness issues, is yet to regain top form at Barcelona, while Isco’s brilliant club performances with Real Betis were not enough to earn him a spot.

De la Fuente addressed the absences by emphasising the depth of Spain’s squad, saying:
“It’s a great sign for Spanish football that players like Isco or Gavi aren’t included. They are still in our plans, and they will have opportunities in the future.”

Meanwhile, Athletic Club’s Unai Simón returns to the squad, reclaiming his place in goal after missing out on recent call-ups due to a wrist injury.

Spain sets sights on Nations League triumph

Spain is the current Nations League champion and will be looking to defend their title. If they overcome the Netherlands, they will face the winner of France vs Croatia in the semi-finals, scheduled for 4-5 June. Other quarter-final fixtures include Denmark vs Portugal and Italy vs Germany, with the final set to take place on 8 June.

Full Spain squad for the Nations League quarter-finals

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic), David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Óscar Mingueza (Celta), Robin Le Normand (Atlético), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Iñigo Martínez (Barcelona), Raúl Asencio (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Marc Casadó (Barcelona), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Álex Baena (Villarreal), Pedri (Barcelona)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ayoze (Villarreal), Álvaro Morata (Galatasaray), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna), Samu Omorodion (Oporto), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)