Raúl Asencio has been left out of the squad for tonight's match against the Netherlands. This is the decision made by Luis de la Fuente, who can only draft 23 footballers from his list for the important Nations League clash. The central defender from Real Madrid, Yéremy Pino, and Ferran Torres from Barcelona have ended up being left out.
Luis de la Fuente personally confirmed it to Raúl Asencio hours before the match against the Netherlands. He will give him a rest, as he has been playing very intense matches with Real Madrid, having accumulated many minutes continuously. He considers him one of the best defenders in Spain and has him in his plans, but he will have to wait until the second match of the break to debut with La Roja.
At 22 years old, Luis de la Fuente has high hopes for Raúl Asencio. He considers him an elite central defender and believes he has great room for improvement. But, right now, he has others ahead of him in his position. For example, for this important match, the coach has preferred to trust others like Cubarsí, Le Normand, or Dean Huijsen over him.
Raúl Asencio Takes It Easy
Despite being an undisputed starter at Real Madrid, the Canary Islander knows he is the last to arrive with Spain. He takes it easy and knows he will eventually convince Luis de la Fuente to be important with the National Team. He has a clear plan and believes that, with the regularity he already has and performing at this high level, it will be difficult for the coach not to give him many opportunities.
Raúl Asencio knows that, for the second match, he will likely have the opportunity to prove his worth with Spain. He has no doubt, and Luis de la Fuente has been very clear with him, trying to keep him happy and explain why he was left out of the squad. There are many, and not all could fit on the bench for the match against the Netherlands.
De la Fuente has prioritized giving Huijsen his first minutes with Spain, thus trying to make his possible future draft with the Netherlands impossible.
Spain's Final Squad Against the Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Raya, Remiro, Unai Simón.
Defenders: Porro, Grimaldo, Cubarsí, Le Normand, Mingueza, Huijsen, Cucurella.
Midfielders: Merino, Fabián, Olmo, Aleix García, Baena, Zubimendi, Pedri.
Forwards: Morata, Ayoze, Samu, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal.