UEFA Nations League: Spain picks Barcelona's star footballer Marc Casado

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has named an exciting trio of uncapped players—Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado, and Samu Omorodion—in his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Switzerland and Denmark. The inclusion of the 20-year-old Omorodion is particularly noteworthy, as he is set to make his debut for the national team, provided he is called up to play. Omorodion has been in excellent form for Porto, showcasing his talent and consistency in club football, and is currently the top scorer in the Europa League with four goals to his name. However, Omorodion’s potential debut could be affected by uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Spain’s captain, Álvaro Morata. The striker was admitted to a hospital in Milan after sustaining a head injury during training on Thursday, leading to concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixtures. His injury could open the door for Omorodion to make an even earlier impression on the international stage.

The inclusion of the young trio reflects Spain’s commitment to infusing fresh talent into the squad, especially as they look to strengthen their squad for the Nations League and beyond. With the fitness of key players like Morata uncertain, de la Fuente is keen to give opportunities to emerging players like Omorodion, who have been performing exceptionally well at club level.

Luis de la Fuente may also be inclined to give 21-year-old Marc Casado a chance, with the Barcelona midfielder enjoying a strong season in La Liga. Casado has become a regular starter for a Barcelona side that is currently dominating the Spanish top flight, and his inclusion in the squad reflects his growing influence in the midfield. His ability to control the game and contribute to both attacking and defensive phases makes him a valuable addition to the team, and de la Fuente may want to see how he fares at the international level.

Another potential debutant is 24-year-old Aitor Paredes, the Bilbao centre-back, who could earn his first senior cap. Paredes has impressed in La Liga with his solid defensive performances, and his inclusion adds depth to Spain's defensive options. The 24-year-old’s maturity and leadership could provide valuable experience to the backline. Meanwhile, de la Fuente is still without first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon, who has yet to feature for Athletic Bilbao this season due to injury. Simon’s absence leaves a gap in Spain’s goalkeeping ranks, and de la Fuente will be monitoring the situation closely as the Nations League matches approach.

Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is another notable absentee from Luis de la Fuente's squad. The Manchester City midfielder, who recently underwent knee surgery, is expected to miss a significant portion of the season, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the campaign. His absence will be a blow for Spain, given his importance in both defensive and midfield roles for club and country.

In a video announcement of the squad, De la Fuente took a moment to address the recent devastating floods in Spain. The catastrophic weather events have claimed the lives of at least 219 people, with 93 others still missing. The national team coach expressed his heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families, emphasizing the collective strength and resilience of the nation in the face of such a tragedy. This gesture of support highlights the deep connection between the team and the people of Spain, and the focus on unity during such difficult times. While the squad announcement focused on football, De la Fuente’s message reminded everyone of the broader challenges the country is facing.

Spain squad for UEFA Nations League

Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Robert Sanchez (Chelsea/ENG).

Defenders: Aitor Paredes (Athletic), Oscar Mingueza (Celta), Pedro Porro (Tottenham/ENG), Dani Vivian (Bilbao), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr/KSA), Pau Torres (Aston Villa/ENG), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/ENG), Alex Grimaldo (Leverkusen/GER)

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (PSG/FRA), Mikel Merino (Arsenal/ENG), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Marc Casado (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Bilbao), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata (Milan/ITA), Ayoze (Villarreal), Samu Omorodion (Porto/POR), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna)