Spain manager opens the door for Real Madrid youngster – ‘Has earned the chance’ | OneFootball

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has claimed that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has earned a chance to be called up to the national team squad after his breakthrough performances so far this season.

The 22-year-old centre-back has been a revelation for Los Blancos, stepping up during an injury crisis and delivering big time on the pitch, even in big games against the likes of Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City.

It has led to calls for him to be included in the Spain squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands.

Doors open for Asencio, confirms De la Fuente

Now, speaking to the media (h/t COPE), Spain boss De la Fuente has admitted that Asencio has earned the chance to be considered for the national team.

“All Spanish players have a chance, we are at a critical moment, I say critical because unfortunately there can always be setbacks in the form of injury or some setback, but all good players have the doors to the national team open to them,” De la Fuente said.

“Like many, of course, he has earned the chance to play for the national team,” he added.

National team doors open for Asencio, says De la Fuente. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The recent injury to Aymeric Laporte is likely to have further increased Asencio’s chances of being named in the Spain squad.

De la Fuente also commented on the recent injury to Dani Ceballos as well as Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet, both of whom were in line for a call-up to the national team, saying:

“There are setbacks, there are injuries, which is the ugly side of football, but you have to overcome them and know how to live with them,” said the Spain manager.

“I’m fortunate that in Spain there are so many good players and so many to choose from that they make it very easy for me.”

Concluding, De la Fuente also gave his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, saying:

“We’re going to see a great spectacle. I’m a football lover and I want there to be a spectacle tomorrow that measures up to what this match is all about.”