Two Barcelona players called up to Spain squad, Jordi Alba misses out

Luis Enrique’s first Spain squad has seen a surprising omission in what otherwise looks like to be an exciting squad as they enter a new era.

The first international break of the season is nearly upon us even though the season has barely started and Barcelona will only be three games into the league season. International sides will be regrouping after an entertaining summer, with a World Cup to remember, although Spain will be wanting to move on after a humiliating loss to the hosts in the Round of 16.

Just prior to the tournament, Julen Lopetegui was sacked due to accepting the vacant Real Madrid job without informing the Royal Spanish Football Federation until just before the official announcement. Therefore, Spain’s preparations were far from ideal as Fernando Hierro stepped into the manage the team through the tournament. It was a tough ask, and unsurprisingly he was unable to replicate the success of Lopetegui’s methods.

Luis Enrique has been brought in to deal with the transition away from key players while also remaining competitive. Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and David Silva have all retired from international football in the aftermath of the tournament, which leaves three sizeable gaps in the team to fill.

Here’s the squad:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Kepa, Pau Lopez

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Cesar Azpilicueta, Raul Albiol, Diego Llorente, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso, Jose Gaya

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Rodri, Saul Niguez, Thiago Alcantara, Dani Ceballos

Attackers: Isco, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa, Suso, Rodrigo Moreno

Jordi Alba and Koke are the main omissions from this team. In Enrique’s last season at Barcelona, him and Alba ended on poor terms because of how the left-back was left out due to Enrique using a 3-4-3 diamond set-up. It appears as if Enrique hasn’t forgotten the rift between them.

This international break will see the start of a new competition: the UEFA Nations League. The idea behind it is to make international football more compelling by replacing some of the dates traditionally used for friendlies with a competition for teams of a similar ability. Rewards include a route into the Euros as well as a potential piece of silverware for the top teams such as Spain.

La Roja have been drawn into a three team group with England and Croatia, who they will both be playing in September. It could possibly be a great way to test new additions as well as a different set-up in a competitive environment against top teams. Enrique certainly doesn’t have an easy start to his tenure, but the quality at his disposal should help ease him in.