(Football news) The 2022 FIFA World Cup is getting closer and closer. Spain have announced their official 26-man squad for the World Cup and it has a few surprises. Spain won the World Cup in 2010 and they followed it by winning the Euros in 2012 but ever since then their performances at the international stage have been a little underwhelming. Luis Enrique has had a long run with this team and has got them playing good football which was seen in the Euro 2020 where they reached the semi-final of the tournament. This time around Enrique has more hold on the team. Spain recently finished top of their Nations League table ahead of Portugal to qualify for the finals. They are definitely the underdogs of the tournament as they have a lot of talent and depth in their squad.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez, David Raya

Defenders: Jose Gaya, Jordi Alba, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Hugo Guillamon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal

Midfielders: Rodri, Koke, Marcos Llorente, Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri Gonzalez, Carlos Soler

Forwards: Dani Olmo, Pablo Sarabia, Alvaro Morata, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino

The biggest surprise in the squad is that senior players Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara have not made the cut. When Luis Enrique first became the manager of Spain, Ramos was the captain and an important part of the team. Enrique often backed the center back to lead the team for years to come but then injuries hampered Ramos' career. The PSG defender this season got his fitness back on track and has been playing regularly for his club. He has been an integral part of Christophe Galtier's side that has been in great form this season.

Enrique has selected the likes of Eric Garcia who has had a horrid season with Barcelona. One reason why the decision was made is that Enrique may have identified his core that has no place for Ramos. Because the former Real Madrid man hasn't played any international matches since November 2020, Enrique might have decided to make the transition and move on. Thiago has not made an appearance since the Euro 2020 despite performing well with Liverpool and Enrique has similar players in the squad who he has chosen.

The other selections are pretty much what was expected. The only concern is that Enrique has selected a lot of players who don't play regularly for their club. The likes of David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gerard Moreno and Iago Aspas have never been in Luis Enrique's plans and that has been very clear for a long time. Spain do have a very good squad which has the potential to go till the later stages of the tournament. However they don't have the impact players needed to go on and win it. Spain will have to be on their A game as they are in a tough group with Japan, Germany and Costa Rica.

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