Striker Alvaro Morata (Chelsea) was not selected in the list of 23 players called to the Spanish team for the 2018 World Cup, just like midfielder Radja Nainggolan (Roma) in the Belgian preselection, a decision strongly contested.
“It’s nothing negative about him. Of course he had a complicated end to the season, but he could have come, it’s just that others have convinced us more, that’s all. “Thus justified Julen Lopetegui the non-selection of ‘Alvaro Morata for the World Cup, the only surprise of this list of 23 de la Roja, who will be a favorite for the rendezvous in Russia.

Lopetegui’s arguments seem like: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo) and Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), favorites, have scored more than Morata over the season: the Chelsea scorer charged 19 goals in 51 games, despite a sluggish end to the season, when the first scored 20 in 40 games and the second 25 in 46 games. As for Diego Costa, he scored less in half a season at Atletico (8 goals in 25 games) but weighs heavily on the defenses.

The other strikers called are the Madrilenians Isco, Asencio and Lucas Vasquez, in a list led unsurprisingly by executives De Gea, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Iniesta and David Silva.

THE LIST OF 23 OF SPAIN

Goalkeepers (3): David de Gea (Manchester United / ENG), Pepe Reina (Naples / ITA), Kepa (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders (8): Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, Real Sociedad’s Alvaro Odriozola, Barcelona’s FC Barcelona’s Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid’s Nacho, Cesar Azpilicueta’s (Chelsea / ENG), Jordi Alba’s () FC Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal / ENG)

Milieux (6): Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Saul (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich / GER), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City / ENG)

Attackers (6): Real Madrid’s Isco (Real Madrid), Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

“These are difficult moments, first for the player who is without Mondial. It is not pleasant for a player who deserves to be here, and who has been with me often, whom I know perfectly, and for whom I have a great personal esteem, but I have made my choice. ” added Lopetegui about Morata (23 caps, 13 goals).

“Good luck at the Mondial !! I will support you and encourage you to the final as always !! “reacted the attacker, handsome player, on his Twitter account.