Barca youngster Cubarsi earns debut Spain call-up

MADRID, March 15 (Xinhua) — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has handed a debut call-up to FC Barcelona’s 17-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsi for Spain’s forthcoming friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.

De la Fuente has also called up Athletic Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian for the first time, while forwards Gerard Moreno and Pablo Sarabia are recalled after a spell on the sidelines.

De la Fuente explained his decision to pick Cubarsi, who has made only a handful of appearances for Barcelona’s first team, saying, “everyone who has seen him play knows what kind of a player he is.”

“We aren’t surprised by what he is doing and what he can do, because we know him well,” added the coach. “He is in great form and he excites us for both present and future.”

Spain will play Colombia at the London Stadium on March 22 and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium four days later, as they continue their preparations for this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024.

“These are moments when you have to take decisions. We want to get to know the players we may need in the future. I want to live with them, and see how they integrate into a solid, consolidated group.”

“The European Championship is our main objective,” stressed De la Fuente.

Following is the full squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Alex Remiro

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Pedro Porro, Jesus Navas, Robin Le Normand, Daniel Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Grimaldo, Jose Gaya

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Oihan Sancet, Alex Baena

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pablo Sarabia, Gerard Moreno, Joselu, Alvaro Morata. Enditem