A new broom doesn’t always need to sweep clean, but Julen Lopetegui’s first selection for the Spanish national team has shown that the new coach has done exactly that.
The golden age overseen by predecessor Vicente Del Bosque is already a distant memory as the former Porto coach seeks to put his own stamp on the squad from the beginning.
For the first time in a long time, Real Madrid players outnumber Barcelona’s — by five to four — and such a lack of Blaugrana perhaps hints at a new style of play.
La Roja will still dominate possession but the short-sharp passing game that has become their trademark could become just another means to an end rather then the focal point of each and every game.
Diego Costa’s excellent start to the season with Chelsea has been rewarded with a recall but he’ll have to battle it out with Alvaro Morata to lead the line.
Morata’s first goal of the season against Celta Vigo is just the confidence boost he needed, and the Real man brings an entirely different threat to Costa. Lopetegui will decide in training which he prefers.
Arguably the biggest shock, and something that hasn’t yet been met with universal approval, was the omission of Iker Casillas from the group.
Del Bosque had made the decision pre-Euro 2016 that David De Gea would be his number one and Lopetegui has followed suit. However, to replace their all-time appearance holder with West Ham’s Adrian, really does sound the death knell for the former Real Madrid custodian’s international career.
He’ll argue that he still has much to offer and there are unlikely to be too many dissenting voices, but unless there are injuries now or in the near future, it’s hard to see a way back for Casillas.
Marco Asensio’s fine form for Los Blancos has propelled the Mallorcan to senior honours and he’ll most likely play in one of the two upcoming matches. The youngster is certainly one to watch, his prowess and thirst for learning and knowledge keeping James Rodriguez out of Real’s starting XI at present.
Teammate Lucas Vazquez and Manchester City’s Nolito hold onto the squad places earned in the lead up to the European Championship whilst Javi Martinez and Juan Mata are recalled.
There’s no place for Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas who also finds himself on the periphery at club level too.
Normally a shoo-in for international duty, the former Barcelona man needs to rediscover form that has deserted him over the past 12 months or so, or risk being consigned to the wilderness with Casillas.
For much of the rest of the side, it’s as you were save for the omission of Andres Iniesta through injury.
It’s still Spain, but not as we know it.
