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OPINION: Much to ponder over in Luis Enrique's next Spain squad for Euro 2020

  /  autty

In just under a month's time, Luis Enrique will name his first Spain squad since returning to his role as head coach.

The former Barcelona boss stepped down from the Spanish national team in 2019 for personal reasons before coming back to replace Robert Moreno.

With La Roja's place at Euro 2020 secured, they will now play a series of friendlies to prepare for the tournament starting with games against Germany and the Netherlands in March.

But who will Luis Enrique select for those two friendlies?

Goalkeeper

David de Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Pau Lopez have been the three goalkeepers included in each squad since the end of the 2018 World Cup.

The one question mark is hanging over Kepa's head having recently fallen out of favour at Chelsea.

Should Frank Lampard continue to leave him on the bench, Luis Enrique could turn to the likes of Unai Simon, Fernando Pacheco or Sergio Asenjo to replace him.

Right-back

It looks like this will be the clearest position, with Dani Carvajal and Jesus Navas firmly cemented in Spain's plans in recent months.

Centre-back

While Sergio Ramos is virtually guaranteed a place, there are doubts over who will join him in the squad.

Inigo Martinez seems the most obvious choice, but there are plenty others who have featured in recent times. Raul Albiol returned under Moreno, while Pau Torres has also been given a chance.

Mario Hermoso's lack of game time and Diego Llorente's plethora of injuries made them unlikely candidates.

There could be a place for Unai Nunez and it remains to be seen, Spanish passport permitting, whether Gabriel Paulista will be involved.

Left-back

The injuries to Jordi Alba open the door at left-back. Jose Gaya is a frequent fixture in Spain squads, while Juan Bernat also received call-ups in 2019.

Players like Yuri Berchiche, Sergio Reguilon, Angelino and Alex Grimaldo have also been mentioned.

Holding midfield

Sergio Busquets and Rodri are the bosses of this position. However, neither of them are on top form for their clubs and that could leave the door open for Mikel Merino, Dani Parejo, Jose Campana, Joan Jordan or Marc Roca to make a late dash for the squad.

Central midfield

There are plenty of options for Luis Enrique to choose from here. Fabian Ruiz, Saul and Thiago are best positioned to get the call, while Dani Ceballos has work to do to recover fitness and form with Arsenal.

In the more attacking positions, Isco is a favourite for Luis Enrique, while Pablo Sarabia, Suso, Iker Muniain and Santi Cazorla will battle for the remaining places.

Right/left wing

Spain will be looking for a player who can start out wide but also provide a goal threat. Dani Olmo did that in his first caps in November, while Ferran Torres has been one of the hottest players in LaLiga Santander recently.

Adama Traore also fits that mould - he was in the squad in November before pulling out through injury.

Striker

Rodrigo Moreno has rarely missed an international for Spain since the World Cup and is expected to start at Euro 2020.

Elsewhere, Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer have good records for La Roja and Gerard Moreno took advantage of his opportunities in October and November.

Then there's Inaki Williams, Iago Aspas and Diego Costa as well.