Manager Luis de la Fuente named his 22-man squad on June 29. There have been no issues from clubs restricting their players to join the Olympic squad even though some competed in the recently concluded European Championship in the summer. The rescheduled Olympics hosted in Japan are set to begin on July 22, 2021.
Participation
This is the fourth appearance for Spain at the Games and the first since the year 2000. La Roja has made quite a reputation for themselves every time they play in the Olympics. Spain won two silver medals in 1920 and 2000 on the other side of a victory in the final of the 1992 Games held in their city, Barcelona. It is the second most successful Olympic team after Argentina.
Spain U23 Men's Football Team Squad :
Goalkeepers: Alex Dominguez (Las Palmas), Alvaro Fernandes (SD Huesca), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
Defenders: Eric Garcia (FC Barcelona), Juan Miranda (Real Betis) Oscar Mingueza (Barcelona) Oscar Gil (Espanyol), Pau Torres (Villareal), Jesus Vallejo (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Pedri (FC Barcelona), Bryan Gil (Sevilla), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) Marc Cucurella (Getafe), Jon Moncayola (Osasuna), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig) Carlos Soler (Valencia), Dani Ceballos (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Javier Puado (Espanyol), Rafa Mir (Wolves), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Manager: Luis de la Fuente
The squad consists of a handful of returnees from the European Championship this month and will buckle up for another tournament in days. Goalkeeper Unai Simon, Barcelona's new signing Eric Garcia, Villarreal center back Pau Toress, Pedri, Dani Almo, and Mikel Oyarzabal reached the semifinals of the competition with Spain. Only midfielder Dani Ceballos and forwards Dani Olmo & Rafa Mir ply their trade outside of the country for their respective club.
Key Player: Pedri
Barcelona's Pedri has been the player for Spain and probably one of the best in this year's European Championship. Frighteningly only 18, the central midfielder has grabbed headlines globally. Capable to be an attacking outlet in games, Pedri's vision, dribbling, tenacity, forward passes and linkups have become a treat to watch. In the Euros alone, he has maintained passing accuracy of 91%, created 11 chances and succeeded in 60% of his dribbles. Pedri hasn't managed a goal contribution so far but it is only a secondary factor of his outstanding style of play. Spain cannot rely on a better player than him at the Games.
Prospect to watch: Bryan Gil
Pedri is the prospect everyone will be rooting for this tournament but he is more than that at this moment. So, we bring in another player for this column. SD Eibar's Bryan Gil is two years older than Pedri and possesses some quality worth speaking for. Starting his youth career at Sevilla, Gil offered his talent in two loans spells at Leganes and Eibar in past seasons to make a claim for a place in his parent club's first team. On the international level his demand has been high. Bryan made it to the senior level for Spain within years since making his debut for the U16 team debut in 2017. His rise has been magnificent and a dominant display in the Games will provide the stemming of his career.
Over the age of 23: Dani Ceballos (24), Mikel Merino (25), Marco Asensio (25)
Olympics allow a maximum of three overage players per nation so according to the rule Spain have included the number of overage players in the squad. Players to be selected should be born on or after the date of January 1, 1997 to be in the normal age limit.
Dani Ceballos of Arsenal is slightly older than the age limit allowed according to rules of the Games. The 24 year old midfielder experienced up and down campaigns with the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid but finds a perfect place to refigure his career. Mikel Merino oversaw a creditable season for Real Sociedad guiding them to a Europa League spot after a sensational start to the last La Liga season. They were aiming for the title at one point of time. Like Ceballos, this is also a chance for Marco Asensio to live up to his potential and shake off his injury disappointments that put a decline to his form and incredible talent. Together, their experience will be vital to this youthful side.
Spain Football Team Olympics 2021 Profile :
Spain have a hugely talented squad with the potential to grab the gold medal. To single out one position is an injustice to this squad but the midfield is shining with upcoming gems of football. Pedri, the most spoken about, is a sensational talent joined by the impressive Dani Olmo. Mikel Merino and Dani Ceballos bring seniority to their role along with the elegant Carlos Soler, Cucurella and Zubimendi. One place Spain can struggle is the absence of a goalscorer. Oyrazabal, Bryan Gill, Marco Asensio and the rest in the forward bring an attacking spark to the team but cannot be counted on finishing chances. That being said Javier Puado and Rafa Mir sustain an eye for the goal. Defense too contain solid names like the Barcelona pair of Oscar Mingueza and Eric Garcia while this stage offers Juan Miranda and Vallejo to offer their talent fully.
Fixtures and Probability :
1) Egypt U23 vs Spain U23 - July 22, Thursday (Sapporo Dome, Sapporo)
2) Australia U23 vs Spain U23 - July 25, Sunday (Sapporo Dome, Sapporo)
3) Spain U23 vs Argentina U23 - July 28, Wednesday (Saitama Stadium, Saitama)
Spain's toughest opposition in Group C is undoubtedly Argentina in the final group stage game. By then, it is expected the 1992 gold medalists will seal qualification to the quarterfinals. The last matchup will decide the first place of the group resulting in the quarter game against the team finishing second in Group D. The exact opposite will happen for the nation ending in second place of Group C.
