Nico Williams y Borja Iglesias, two strikers, are Luis Enrique’s main novelties for the Nations League matches against Switzerland and Portugal. The Asturian coach revolutionizes his attack in a continuous list in the rest of the lines and in which they do not appear, with respect to the last summons, Marcos Alonso, Thiago, Raúl de Tomás and, surprisingly, Ansu Fati.
Among those who are not there either, in this case due to injury, Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte stand out.
Nico Williams’ summons comes immediately after his brother, Iñaki, accepted Ghana’s call to join their national team, with which they aspire to play in the World Cup. The youngest of the Williams has been a regular in the lower categories of Spain.
Borja Iglesias’ first international call comes at the age of 29 and after starting the season at full strength, with four goals in his first five games.
goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez, David Raya
defenses: Azpilicueta, Carvajal, Eric García, Pau Torres, Diego Llorente, Hugo Guillamón, Jordi Alba, Gayá
Midfielders: Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Pedri, Koke, Soler, Marcos Llorente
strikers: Sarabia, Nico Williams, Marco Asensio, Morata, Borja Iglesias, Yeremy Pino and Ferran
There was no trace of Sergio Ramos in the presentation of Luis Enrique. The Andalusian was one of the possible novelties in the call after appearing in the preliminary list of 55 players that the Federation sends to UEFA in advance. His recovered form and his good time with PSG still make him a candidate, but at least for now the coach prefers Valencianist Hugo Guillamón, the one chosen as the fourth central defender.
Without changes in the goal, Unai Simón, Robert Sánchez and David Raya already immovable, the presence of Guillamón is the most striking feature of the defensive line. The Valencian player, who can also act as a midfielder, earns a new call to cover the gap left by Laporte. Inigo Martinez, who has only played one game this season, and Sergio Ramos, were the other options that Luis Enrique was considering. On the left side, the coach gives a vote of confidence to Jordi Alba, despite the fact that the azulgrana is not getting any minutes. He also puts Gayá ahead of Marcos Alonso despite the fact that the Valencian player has just started the season due to his sanction.
The center of the field is already the most stable area of the team. Busquets and Rodri as midfielders and five interiors that fully convince the coach. Except for injury or last minute surprise, Gavi, Pedri, Soler, Koke and Marcos Llorente start above the rest of the candidates.
In return, the forward is once again the line with the most movement. In addition to the entries of Borja Iglesias and Nico Williams, the return of Yeremy Pino is added. Follow Marco Asensio, joined the cause again in June, despite his few minutes at Real Madrid. The Mallorcan convinced Luis Enrique in his last appearance.
For this occasion, the official media of the RFEF gave one more twist to the presentation video of the call and had the stellar help of Atitor Unzue, one of his assistants. Together, by bicycle, they presented the list by climbing a mountain pass in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Spain faces from next week its last two games of the group stage of the Nations League, which will also be the definitive ones before the premiere at the World Cup in Qatar. At stake is the pass to the Final Four in June 2023. The first duel will measure the team against Switzerland, in Zaragoza (Saturday, September 24). The second game, against Portugal, will be played on Tuesday, September 28 in Braga. The concentration will begin on Monday, September 19, in the Ciudad del Fútbol of Las Rozas.
In the absence of these two days, Spain is leader of the group with 8 points, for the 7 of Portugal. The Czech Republic adds 4 and Switzerland closes the classification with 3 points.
