Spain has always been a powerhouse in football, and its FIFA World Cup squad is no different. Comprised of some of the best players in the world, the Spanish team is looking to make a strong run at the 2018 tournament. Heading into the competition, the Spanish squad is one of the favorites to take home the title. With a mix of experienced veterans and young up-and-comers, the team has the talent to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Spanish team has a number of world-class players, including Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, and David Silva. With a core of experienced players, the team is looking to make a strong push for the title. The Spanish squad is a force to be reckoned with, and they will be looking to make their mark on the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Romas & Thiago out and Pedri & Gavi in?
Spain will be entering their 12th consecutive World Cup this year, hoping to achieve glory for the first time since 2010. They have not been dealt an easy group, though, as they will have to overcome 2014 world champions Germany and Asian giants Japan and Bryan Ruiz's Costa Rica. That being said, Luis Enrique has a good record with the Spanish national team and has an excellent talent pool to pick his World Cup squad.
The young talents of Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati have caught the eye of many in the world of soccer, while more experienced players like Sergio Busquets, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Alvaro Morata know what it takes to compete at the highest level.
GOALKEEPERS
Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon is expected to be in goal for Spain at the World Cup, ahead of Robert Sanchez and David Raya.
Robert Sanchez
David Raya
Unai Simon
This is despite Manchester United's David De Gea being among those left out of the 26-man squad.
DEFENDERS
One of the big questions on Luis Enrique's mind, as he finalizes his Spanish squad for the upcoming defender, is whether or not to include Sergio Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos has been in good form this season after recovering from injuries last year, but he hasn't done enough to guarantee a spot on the team.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Hugo Guillamon
Pau Torres
Eric Garcia
Jose Gaya
Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, Jordi Alba, and Aymeric Laporte are all part of the 26-man squad, so Spain has plenty of good options at the back. Eric Garcia has proven to be a reliable option, and the same can be said of Pau Torres and Jose Gaya.
MIDFIELDERS
Spain's head coach Enrique has had to leave some of his better-known players at home as he struggles with a difficult decision regarding which midfielders to take with him to the World Cup.
There are places for Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Pedri, Koke, and Gavi--all of whom are well-known to Spanish football fans.
Here is a list of some of the most notable Spanish midfielders in the game today.
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Rodri (Manchester City)
Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Gavi (Barcelona)
Carlos Soler (PSG)
There are also spots available for Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente, but even so, some big names will miss out, including Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara.
ATTACKERS
While Pablo Sarabia, Alvaro Morata, and Ferran Torres could be Spain's designated front three in Qatar, there are several other players who could make an impact as well.
For example, Marcos Asensio and Ansu Fati will be waiting for their opportunity to shine, while youngsters like Jeremy Pino and Nico Williams will be hoping to see some game time.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES
David De Gea may still be the first choice for Manchester United, but there is no room for him on the Spanish national team under Luis Enrique due to tactical reasons. Sergio Ramos had hoped to be included after proving his worth at PSG, but the experienced defender - who was part of the World Cup-winning team in 2010 - will be watching from the sidelines. The same is true for Marcos Alonso and Thiago Alcantara, with Enrique preferring to select young players for the squad.
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