Spain’s Nations League squad shines a spotlight on a resurgent Real Madrid defender

After lifting the World Cup in the summer, Spain now turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League. Coach Luis de la Fuente has released his first squad since the triumph, and it feels a bit like a remix – the same core, but with a few new instruments added.

The biggest talking‑point is the return of 21‑year‑old Dean Huijsen. The Dutch‑born centre‑back, who splashed a £50 million fee on Real Madrid in the 2025 summer, was a near‑certainty for the 2026 World Cup. Yet a shaky debut season at the Bernabéu saw him dropped, and he missed out on the tournament while teammates Eric García and Marc Pubill took his place.

Huijsen didn’t sulk. Instead, he dug in, worked hard under José Mourinho, and now enjoys a near‑ever‑present role in Madrid’s back line, often partnering the towering Ibrahima Konaté. “He’s doing really well, that’s why we bet on him,” de la Fuente explained, noting that the defender must keep pushing because competition is fierce – especially with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí still considered world‑class.

Another surprise is the omission of Gavi. The Barcelona prodigy started Spain’s World Cup opener against Cabo Verde, but an injury‑prone spell limited him to a handful of minutes thereafter. A lingering knee issue and scarce game time led to his exclusion. In his stead, long‑time friend and fellow Barça player Fermín López gets the nod. López, who missed the World Cup after breaking his foot, has already rattled off four goals and two assists this season, eager to prove he belongs.

Four newcomers round out the 26‑man list. Besides Huijsen and López, there’s goalkeeper Josep Martínez of Inter Milan, who steps in for the injured Joan García, and striker Roberto Fernández from Espanyol, whose six La Liga goals this campaign earned him a place over Borja Iglesias.

The rest of the squad reads like a who’s‑who of Spanish football: veterans Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí and Eric García anchoring the defence; midfield maestros Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Merino dictating tempo; and attacking talent like Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal providing the creative spark.

Spain’s first Nations League fixtures are set for a blockbuster at Wembley on 26 September, where they will face England. Three days later they host Croatia, then travel to Czechia, and finish the window with a return clash against Croatia on 6 October. It’s a tight schedule, but de la Fuente seems confident his blend of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers can keep La Roja humming.