UEFA Euro 2020: 5 biggest stars left out of Spain's squad

#3 Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)

Iago Aspas

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.

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#2 Saul (Atletico Madrid)

Saul

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.

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#1 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Sergio Ramos

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.

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