Former World Champions Spain have announced their 26-man squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup 2022.
La Roja qualified for the World Cup by finishing top in their group. They won six out of the eight matches and gathered nineteen points.
Spain have been drawn into Group E along with Germany, Costa Rica, and Japan.
Luis Enrique’s side will start their journey in the upcoming Qatar World Cup 2022 against Costa Rica on 23rd November. They will then face Germany in their next match. Finally, Spain will finish their group stage against Japan on 2nd December.
Ramos, Thiago sunbbed
Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Sergio Ramos, who is widely regarded as one of the best-ever Spanish players has failed to make the cut. After joining PSG, Ramos had a slow start. He did not play much in his first season and lost his place in the national team.
However this time around, Ramos has featured in most of the matches for the French giants. The defender has been in decent form. But it was not enough for him to get a place in Luis Enrique’s 26-man squad.
Another huge name that has missed the cut is Thiago Alcantara. The Liverpool midfielder has missed a lot of games in this due to injury. His form has dipped from last season. And now Luis Enrique has decided to not select the midfielder for the upcoming Qatar World Cup 2022.
FC Barcelona forward Ansu Fati has been selected for the Spanish squad. 20-year-old Ansu was dropped from the La Roja team earlier this year. The forward has struggled to get into the first eleven for Barcelona throughout the season. But that was because Barcelona did not want to take any risk after his injuries.
Spain lacked a proper finisher in their last Euro Cup tournament. That was the main reason for their disqualification in the semi-finals. Fati is known for his ability to come in clutch in big matches. Which is the main reason for his selection.
Spain will arrive in the World Cup as one of the favourites. Luis Enrique’s side have been very consistent in the last few years. But they have struggled to get over the finishing line in the final stage. Now this will be the best time for them to do so in Qatar.
Full Spanish Squad for the Qatar World Cup 2022
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion), David Raya (Brentford FC).
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea FC), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Eric Garcia (FC Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia CF), Pau Torres (Villarreal CF), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia CF).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Gavi (FC Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris St Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atletico de Madrid), Pedri Gonzalez (FC Barcelona), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico de Madrid).
Forwards: Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal CF), Alvaro Morata (Atletico de Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (Paris St Germain), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Ansu Fati (FC Barcelona).
