Barcelona’s young talent, Fermin Lopez, gets his first senior call-up as Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, unveils a 29-member provisional squad for UEFA EURO 2024.
Having taken the helm just a few months ago, De la Fuente has named Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal, with Marco Asensio not making the cut.
“I have great respect for Asensio, but let’s focus on those here and appreciate their worth,” De la Fuente mentioned in a press conference on Monday.
“Some may have doubts, but I’m confident as of now. There’s a chance that someone not initially considered for the tournament could still make a compelling case for inclusion in the final 26-man roster,” he added.
Lopez has earned his spot following a standout season with Barcelona and joins teammates Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Ferran Torres in the squad.
“Fermín is performing at a top level, but we need to be careful. Many players step up even more when representing the National team, and we believe he’ll show us his true potential,” De la Fuente explained.
“Time builds bonds, and I feel this team is like a family with a strong connection. We have created a tight-knit group, which is a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.”
Spain, placed in Group B alongside Croatia, Italy, and Albania, will gear up with friendly matches against Andorra and Northern Ireland before the championship.
La Roja, tied with Germany as the most successful team in Euros history with three titles, kicks off their 2024 campaign against Croatia on June 15.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders:
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr)
Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid)
Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao)
Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders:
Rodrigo (Manchester City)
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain)
Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Aleix Garcia (Girona)
Alex Baena (Villarreal)
Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)
Forwards:
Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
Joselu (Real Madrid)
Dani Olmo (Leipzig)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Ayoze Perez (Real Betis)
Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)