Spain manager Luis Enrique has suggested that he left Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea out of his latest squad announcement because he does not suit their style of play.
De Gea was a glaring omission from the 23-man squad that was announced to face Albania and Iceland in upcoming international friendlies over the international break later this month. 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 gone from strength-to-strength in recent years and has kept five clean sheets in 15 games in his debut Premier League season this term. Regularly linked with Arsenal last summer, the Brentford goalkeeper is renowned for his passing ability and being able to act as a sweeper keeper.
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Therefore, it is those particular traits that Raya has that has convinced Enrique to hand him his maiden call-up, leaving De Gea out of the squad in the process. Regular Spain No.1 Unai Simon and Brighton & Hove Albion's Robert Sanchez have filled the two other goalkeeping berths.
"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."
Style of play is the only justification Enrique could grant, in truth, to leave De Gea out of his squad, as Spain continue their preparations for the World Cup later this year. Although United have experienced a season to forget, De Gea has been a shining light, producing several impressive performances and a string of fine saves.
However, De Gea's international career has never reached the heights that he would have hoped for. He has made just 45 appearances for the senior squad and not at all since a 1-0 win over Ukraine in October 2020.
He was an unused substitute throughout the European Championship last summer and has played no part in Spain's World Cup qualifying campaign. Having been left out for two dead-rubber friendlies, it would suggest that Enrique is not planning on including him in his squad for the showpiece event in Qatar later this year.
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