News Focus
- Dean Huijsen left out of Spain’s World Cup squad despite seven recent caps
- Real Madrid has no representatives in national team for historic first time
- Defender posts Instagram story showing Sofascore Team of the Season
- Luis de la Fuente selects Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia instead
- Barcelona players make up nearly one-third of 26-man selection
Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has publicly questioned Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. The defender used social media to express his frustration after missing the final World Cup squad.
De la Fuente announced his 26-man group this week. History has been made as no Real Madrid players will feature for Spain at a World Cup tournament for the first time ever. In contrast, Barcelona stars fill almost one-third of the selected roster.
Dani Carvajal’s absence from the list meant Huijsen carried the only realistic hope for Los Blancos. The 21-year-old earned seven international caps during the past 18 months. However, the manager chose Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia ahead of him.
Huijsen responded by sharing an image on Instagram. He posted the Sofascore Team of the Season graphic, which features Pau Cubarsi and Garcia. Supporters interpret this as a clear dig at the selection decision.
The Spain boss has largely kept faith with his Euro 2024 winning side. Yet the defence has undergone significant changes. Both Robin Le Normand and Dani Vivian have dropped out, while Aymeric Laporte remains due to his experience.
Huijsen struggled to keep his starting place at the Santiago Bernabeu during the latter part of the season. De la Fuente insists he settled on his squad several months ago.
Young forward Gonzalo Garcia joins the support group. He will train with the senior team before their final friendly against Peru in Mexico.