Raul Asencio Earns First Spain Call-Up for Nations League

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie against the Netherlands, featuring a first-time call-up for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio and handing the captain’s armband to Alvaro Morata.

Asencio, in strong form for Real Madrid, earns his first senior international call-up, joining Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez in a defensive group depleted by injuries to regular center-backs Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian.

With Ballon d’Or winner Rodri still sidelined due to injury, De la Fuente has included Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Barcelona’s Marc Casado in midfield, alongside established names like Pedri, Alex Baena, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino.

Alvaro Morata, currently on loan at Galatasaray from AC Milan, will captain the squad. The attacking options include Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, reflecting Spain’s blend of youth and experience.

Spain, the reigning Nations League champions and Euro 2024 winners, face the Netherlands in the first leg of the quarter-finals on March 20th in Rotterdam, with the return leg on March 23rd in Valencia.

The full Spain squad is as follows:

• Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

• Defenders: Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Inigo Martinez (Barcelona), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Raul Asencio (Real Madrid), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

• Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Marc Casado (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), 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), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna), Samu (Porto), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

The squad selection highlights De la Fuente’s continued reliance on established stars while also providing opportunities for emerging talent as Spain aim to defend their Nations League title. The absence of Rodri remains a significant challenge, but the inclusion of in-form players like Asencio provides a boost.