Some new faces in the reckoning for De La Fuente's first Spain squad
There could be some interesting picks from the man who replaced Lucho
Spain's new coach, Luis de la Fuente, is making his first squad list public on Friday 17 March. Spain plays Norway (25/3) in Malaga and Scotland (28/3) in Glasgow and the Riojan is outlining the final details of a list that may be narrowed down by recent events.
The decision of Brahim Díaz was one factor. The Milan player, on loan from Real Madrid, must decide between Spain or Morocco. The Moroccan coach, Walid Regragui, gave his list for the friendly matches against Brazil and Peru without Brahim.
A decision that indicates that the player will for now wait for a call-up from Spain, his priority so far. Regragui revealed that he travelled to Milan to find out the player's intentions and that Brahim told him that he is "in a period of reflection".
The player, born in Malaga but with Moroccan roots, has played just one game for La Roja, a peculiar friendly against Lithuania in the pandemic, with the U21 group coached by De la Fuente, and scored one goal. Brahim still has a choice and his great dream would be to receive a call-up from the Spanish national team coach.
He was also called up by Luis Enrique for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Sweden, although he was not involved.
The call-up would have a very special meaning for the Malagueño as Spain play the first of the two matches at La Rosaleda against the team led by Erling Haaalnd.
De la Fuente will have to make decisions in all areas, and changes are on the horizon in the goalkeeping group. Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya were Luis Enrique's regulars, but that could be shifted.
For starters, Unai Simón is out with Achilles tendon discomfort, although it is minor and he could reappear next weekend.
On the other hand, Robert Sanchez has been out of the starting line-up for Brighton in the last two games. This could lead to the return of Kepa, who has earned his place in the Chelsea starting line-up and is in good form. Remiro (Real Sociedad) is another candidate to be in Friday's squad.
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