Spain's national team invests in young defensive talent

Spain's national soccer team is focusing on young talent in defense. Coach Luis de la Fuente has called up three promising young defenders for upcoming matches. Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old playing for Bournemouth, is the latest addition. He joins 18-year-old Pau Cubarsí from Barcelona and 22-year-old Raúl Asencio from Real Madrid. Cubarsí made waves last year by becoming the youngest defender to play for Spain's national team at 17, breaking a record held by Sergio Ramos. Asencio joined Real Madrid's first team last October and quickly earned a starting spot. He received his first call-up to the national team ahead of Spain's quarterfinals in the Nations League against the Netherlands. Spain is the defending champion in both the Nations League and European competitions. Huijsen was called up after veteran defender Iñigo Martínez sustained a knee injury. Robin Le Normand from Atletico Madrid will also join the squad. He played in the Euro 2024 final, where Spain won against England. Asencio expressed pride in his achievements, noting how quickly things have changed. De la Fuente emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to young players. Injuries have forced the coach to cut three others, including midfielders Bryan Zaragoza and Marc Casadó.