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Spain have announced their squad for UEFA Euro 2020, and suffice to say, there are a few notable omissions.
Manager Luis Enrique has not named any Real Madrid player in his squad, including captain Sergio Ramos. In fact, Enrique has selected only 24 out of a possible 26 players in Spain's Euro 2020 squad, which has raised a few eyebrows.
Paris Saint-Germain's Pablo Sarabia is arguably one of the most contentious picks, with Enrique copping criticism for not selecting some regular performers and big-name players.
On that note, let's take a look at the five biggest stars left out of the Spain squad for UEFA Euro 2020.
#5 Nacho (Real Madrid)
Nacho Fernandez may not be the most glamorous name at Real Madrid, but he has been an extremely useful player for Los Blancos over the years.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Nacho made his club debut in 2011 and has been in and around the first team since then. The 31-year-old is not a regular starter for his club but is a dependable player who produces consistent performances when called upon.
An extremely versatile player, Nacho can play anywhere along the defensive line. Spain could miss his versatility at Euro 2020. Spain manager Luis Enrique doesn't think likewise, but picking only one recognised right-back in Cesar Azpilicueta for Euro 2020 could spectacularly backfire.
Nacho has played 22 times for Spain, scoring his lone goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Portugal in a 2018 FIFA World Cup group-stage game. He hasn't played international football since a 2-3 UEFA Nations League defeat against England in October latthat year.
#4 Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
A highly-rated talent during his younger days, Marco Asensio has not hit the heights many thought he would.
The 25-year-old has still has time to fulfil his undoubted talent. Despite not hitting his peak yet, Asensio has been a fairly constant presence in the Real Madrid first team and has been utilised in many forward positions.
Asensio's technical skills and dribbling ability on the wings could have caused problems to opposition defences at Euro 2020. In 35 La Liga appearances this season, including 21 starts. Asensio scored five goals and provided two assists.
The 25-year-old has scored one goal and provided eight assists in 26 games for Spain. He last appeared for the 2010 world champions in Spain's 6-0 win over Germany in a Nations League game late last year.
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: Top 5 contenders to win the tournament.
#3 Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
Iago Aspas is another surprise omission in Spain's Euro 2020 squad. While Spain continue to produce technically proficient, world-class midfielders regularly, the same cannot be said about their strikers, though.
Aspas has been sensational in his second spell with Celta Vigo. Since returning to the club in 2015 from Liverpool, he has become the talisman of the club, scoring at a stunning rate and proving to be creatively adept as well. The 33-year-old made 33 La Liga appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists.
With Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno selected by Luis Enrique in Spain's Euro 2020 squad, Aspas could have provided a different option.
The Celta striker has scored six times and provided as many assists in 18 appearances for Spain, including a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Morocco in the 2018 FIFA World Cup to save his team's blushes. However, Aspas hasn't played for La Furia Roja since a 4-0 win over Faroe Islands in a Euro 2020 qualifier in 2019.
#2 Saul (Atletico Madrid)
Saul's exclusion from the Euro 2020 squad by Spain manager Luis Enrique has been a surprise, to say the least.
The Atletico Madrid star has spent the entirety of his club career with the La Liga giants, barring a loan spell with Rayo Vallecano. The midfielder, who has impressed with his defensive prowess, is versatile enough to play in central midfield, defensive midfield and left-back as well.
The 26-year-old was part of the Atletico Madrid squad that won the La Liga title this season, although he started only 22 league games for Diego Simeone's team. Given that Enrique has named the likes of Thiago, Rodri and Koke in Spain's Euro 2020 squad, it's probably understandable that Saul was considered surplus to requirements.
Saul has scored thrice and assisted twice in 19 games for Spain but last played for the national team in a 5-0 home win over Romania in a Euro 2020 qualifier in 2019.
#1 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Arguably the biggest player who will not feature in the quadrennial tournament, Real Madrid centre-back and Spain captain Sergio Ramos has not been included in his team's Euro 2020 squad.
Enrique highlighted Ramos' fitness and lack of minutes as key reasons for his exclusion from the Euro 2020 squad, saying in this regard:
"He has not been able to compete or train. It has not been easy (to drop him). Yesterday I called him and it was difficult and harsh. I feel bad, he is very professional and he helps the national team a lot and he can (help) in the future, but I seek the benefit of the whole group."
Ramos made only 15 La Liga appearances this season, but he was expected to be included in Spain's Euro 2020 squad. Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte and Eric Garcia, Leeds United's Diego Llorente and Villarreal's Pau Torres will be Spain's centre-back options at the tournament.
At 35, Ramos, who has a staggering tally of 180 caps for Spain, could very well have played his last international tournament. He posted on his Instagram account after his omission:
"It pains me not to have been able to help my team more and not to play for Spain but, in this case, the best thing to do is rest, fully recover and come back next year like we’ve always done. It hurts not to represent your country, but I have to be honest and sincere. I wish all my teammates the very best of luck and I hope we have a great Euros. I’ll be another fan cheering on from home."
Regarded as one of the best centre-backs to have played the game, Ramos becomes a free agent this summer, as he is yet to agree a contract extension with Los Blancos. He has been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Sergio Ramos' exclusion means Spain will be without a Real Madrid player at a major tournament for the very first time.
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: 5 biggest stars left out of France's squad.
