Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has left Real Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles out of his latest squad selection, despite statistics showing the Andalusian club’s undisputed starter ranks among the most effective shot-stoppers in LaLiga.
The omission arrives as national team staff adjust their roster following an injury to Joan García. Rather than turning to Valles, the coaching staff selected Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez—a former teammate of Valles from their shared tenure at UD Las Palmas—to join the Spain setup.
According to performance data compiled by Sofascore, Valles has anchored Real Betis’ positive run of form through commanding performances between the posts.
Despite those metrics and his status as an unquestioned starter under manager Manuel Pellegrini at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, Valles’ name was absent from the official squad list published by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Statistical Standing in LaLiga
Data tracking from league matches underscores his value to a Real Betis side competing on multiple fronts.
With 25 stops registered in league play, Valles trails only one other goalkeeper in total saves across the division, according to Sofascore metrics.
The Selection Path for Josep Martínez
In place of Valles, De la Fuente called upon Josep Martínez. The former Las Palmas goalkeeper secured a transfer to Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan, where he provides depth in European and domestic competitions.
Martínez and Valles previously shared a dressing room at Gran Canaria, developing side-by-side before pursuing separate career trajectories.
Upcoming Fixtures and International Schedule
The Spain national team continues its training camp preparations ahead of its next scheduled fixtures on the international calendar. Staff will monitor player fitness closely following physical assessments at the team’s training headquarters.
Real Betis returns to domestic competition action following the international window, with coaching staff evaluating player availability and recovery schedules upon squad members’ return to club facilities in Seville.
