World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Spain

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

Luis Enrique is seeking to restore some of the success of the class of 2010 at this upcoming World Cup.

He has named a 26 man squad that has been vastly overhauled in recent years with a major emphasis on youth and on players who can play within his system. It could be this lack of flexibility that could count against them.  

Unai Simon of Athletic Bilboa could be given the nod to start in goal ahead of British based Robert Sanchez and David Raya.

Experienced candidates such as Manchester United’s David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Soria all miss out. De Gea seemingly due to his perceived weakness with his feet. 

There was plenty of options to choose from in defence. Veterans such as Dani Carvajal, Jordi Abla and Cesar Azpillicueta provide a degree of experience.

The trio of Eric Garcia, Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte will likely compete for a place in the centre. There was no space for the likes of Sergio Ramos, Alejandro Balde, Gerard Pique and Nacho Fernandez though.  

In midfield, they faced more selection dilemmas. Sergio Busquets remains the sole representative from the South African World Cup winning side and he will be expected to take his spot at the base of the midfield. Rodri of Manchester City could equally play there for rotation.

There was no room for Thiago Alcantara after indifferent form with Liverpool. Koke of Atletico Madrid and Pedri Gonzalez of Barcelona provide the creative part of the game. Marcos Llorente could also deputise if needed. 

Up front seems to provide the most youthful element. Yeremi Pino, Nico Wlliams and Ansu Fati all provide the pace and pressing demanded of their coach.

The problem could be in finding a striker to convert the opportunities created. Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres have been picked but neither have been consistent scorers in the Spanish shirt. Enrique prefers to play without a target man which ruled out choices like Isco Martinez, Iago Aspas and Gerard Moreno



Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford).

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris St-Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri Gonzalez (Barcelona), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (Paris St Germain), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Ansu Fati (Barcelona).

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile