Barcelona prodigies Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are set to inject youthful dynamism into Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany. Manager Luis de la Fuente unveiled a preliminary 29-man squad on Monday, signaling a blend of fresh talent and experienced leadership for the tournament.
The squad will be trimmed by three players before Spain’s Euro 2024 journey commences against Croatia on June 15th. This selection highlights De la Fuente’s faith in emerging stars alongside established figures, aiming to craft a team capable of challenging for European glory.
Youthful Talent Pool Takes Center Stage
The inclusion of Yamal and Cubarsí, alongside their Barcelona teammate Fermín López, underscores a generational shift within the Spanish national team. Fermín López, along with Real Betis forward Ayoze Pérez, are the two uncapped players who have earned their first senior call-ups, showcasing the breadth of talent emerging in Spanish football.
Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Barcelona, amassing 50 appearances and becoming a regular fixture in their attack. His electrifying pace and dribbling ability offer a unique dimension to Spain’s offensive options. Similarly, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí has solidified his place in Barcelona’s defense since his debut in January, demonstrating maturity and composure beyond his years.
Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí will lead a youthful Spain squad for this summer’s European Championship
Fermín López, 21, further bolsters the youthful contingent after a productive season with Barcelona, netting 11 goals in his debut campaign. The inclusion of Pedri, despite recent fitness concerns, also points to De la Fuente’s commitment to integrating young, creative midfielders into the squad.
Experience Provides the Backbone
While youth is a central theme, De la Fuente has also retained a core of seasoned players to provide balance and leadership. Manchester City’s Rodri, a linchpin in midfield, Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, and Sevilla’s Jesús Navas bring invaluable experience and tactical awareness. Atlético Madrid’s Álvaro Morata is also included to lead the line, offering crucial experience in high-pressure tournament environments.
These experienced players are expected to guide the younger talents and provide a solid foundation for Spain’s Euro 2024 aspirations. Their know-how in navigating the complexities of major international tournaments will be vital for La Roja’s success.
Notable Absences due to Injury and Selection
Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio is a notable omission from the squad, while injuries have ruled out key players such as Barcelona’s Gavi and Alejandro Balde, as well as Valencia’s José Gayà. These absences present challenges, but also opportunities for the selected players to step up and make their mark.
Full Spain Squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, Álex Remiro, David Raya
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Jesús Navas, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, Nacho, Vivian, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Aleix García, Álex Baena, Fermín López
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Álvaro Morata, Joselu, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ayoze Pérez
Spain, a nation with a rich footballing history and three European Championship titles (1964, 2008, and 2012), will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Croatia in Berlin on June 15th. They will subsequently face Italy on June 20th in Gelsenkirchen and Albania on June 24th in Düsseldorf to conclude their group stage matches. Prior to the tournament, Spain is scheduled to play friendly matches against Andorra and Northern Ireland as part of their final preparations.
