Just noticed that the Spanish Football Federation officially released the 26-man squad for the 2024 UEFA Euro. As a long-time follower of Spanish football, I couldn’t resist sharing some highlights of this list. De la Fuente’s selections are quite interesting this time, featuring expected core players as well as some exciting new faces.
Intense Competition for Goalkeeper Positions
Regarding the goalkeepers, Unai Simón was unsurprisingly selected; the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper continues to be an absolute mainstay for the national team. Interestingly, De la Fuente also picked Remiro and Raya as backup goalkeepers. Honestly, Raya has performed well at Arsenal, but whether he can firmly establish himself in the national team is yet to be seen. Personally, I believe Simón’s position remains stable in the short term.
The defensive lineup reflects De la Fuente’s pursuit of balance between attack and defense. Veteran Alba is still included, but Carvajal’s absence is somewhat surprising. However, newcomers Cucurella and Grimaldo are pleasant surprises, especially with Grimaldo’s impressive performances at Bayer Leverkusen.
| Position | Starting Players | Backup Options |
|---|
| Goalkeeper | Unai Simón | Raya, Remiro |
| Center-back | Laporte, Nacho | Lenorman, Cubarsi |
| Full-back | Alba, Carvajal | Cucurella, Grimaldo |
Midfield Creativity and Balance
In midfield, Rodri, as Manchester City’s central figure, remains an immovable starter, providing Spain with a steady metronome. Pedri and Gavi, the Barcelona duo, continue to be selected as expected; their skills and creativity are crucial to Spain’s offense.
A somewhat controversial pick might be Fabián Ruiz. Although he has been performing well at Paris Saint-Germain, competition is fierce. I personally think De la Fuente likely values his big-match experience and versatility as detailed in the Spain Football Competition Certificate. Additionally, Morata was not selected in midfield but is focused solely as a forward, which I find a reasonable adjustment.
The biggest highlight in the forward line is definitely 17-year-old Anssumane Fati; his performances at Barcelona are truly impressive. Alongside the experienced Morata and Oyarzabal, Spain’s attacking combination combines both impact and technical quality. Honestly, seeing so many young players selected is exciting and makes me optimistic about the future of Spanish football.
Overall, this list embodies De la Fuente’s blend of youth and experience tactical approach, retaining seasoned veterans while giving opportunities to younger players. Although some choices regarding Spain Football Competition Participants might spark debate, I support this courageous attitude toward experimentation. What do you think about this squad? Feel free to discuss!
