- Luis Enrique says he left out the Manchester United Goalkeeper because he does not fit their style of play
- Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya was handed the first-call even though he has never represented Spain at any level
- Despite United’s dull season, De Gea has been a bright spot, putting in several remarkable performances and making a string of fine saves
David de Gea, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, has been left out of Spain’s squad for upcoming international friendlies against Albania and Iceland.
Spain, who reached the European Championship semi-finals last summer, will continue their preparations for the 2022 World Cup with back-to-back home games against two teams that failed to qualify.
David De Gea has been left out of the Spain squad for International Friendlies. Photo: Getty Images
On the other hand, De Gea has been left out of Spain manager Luis Enrique’s 23-man squad.
In what has been a disappointing season for United, the shot-stopper has been the club’s standout player, producing a string of fine saves and performances.
Despite this, in 37 games across all competitions, he has only kept nine clean sheets.
LUIS ENRIQUE REVEALS WHY HE LEFT OUT DE GEA
Luis Enrique, the manager of Spain, has claimed that he left Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea out of his most recent squad announcement because he does not fit their style of play.
Naming three goalkeepers in his squad, Enrique has handed a first call-up to Brentford shot-stopper David Raya.
Raya, who has never represented Spain at any level, has improved dramatically in recent years, keeping five clean sheets in 15 games in his first Premier League season.
Last summer, Brentford’s goalkeeper was linked with Arsenal due to his passing ability and ability to play as a sweeper-keeper.
As a result, Raya’s unique qualities have persuaded Enrique to give him his first call-up, effectively leaving De Gea out of the squad.
Unai Simon and Robert Sanchez of Brighton & Hove Albion have filled the other two goalkeeping positions.
“It is part of the tracing we do with the goalkeepers,” said Enrique, explaining why he had awarded Raya his first call-up. “He is a player who is doing very well.
“I really want to see it in the context of the selection. He has the necessary profile to play with us.”
Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya received the first call-up for the International Friendlies. Photo: Sky Sports
The only reason Enrique could give for leaving De Gea out of his squad as Spain prepares for the World Cup later this year is because of his style of play.
Despite United’s dull season, De Gea has been a bright spot, putting in several impressive performances and making a string of fine saves.
The United goalkeeper, whose contract expires in 2023, has 45 appearances for his country, but he hasn’t played a minute for them since a 1-0 loss to Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League in October 2020.
During the Euros, he sat on the bench and did not play in Spain’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
On Thursday, Gareth Southgate left forward Marcus Rashford out of his squad alongside winger Jadon Sancho, stating that Rashford is not at his best
SPAIN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford).
Defenders: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernandez (Manchester City), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Valencia)
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Pablo Sarabia (Sporting Lisbon), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Raul de Tomas (Espanyol), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal).
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