Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi named in Spain squad for March friendlies

Cubarsi, 17, has made the breakthrough into the Barcelona side in 2024, and his impressive form has seen him rewarded with a position in the senior La Roja squad.

"All of us that have watched Pau play know what player he is and can be," De la Fuente said at a press conference on Friday after unveiling his squad for the March internationals.

"We are not as surprised as others by his performances. We know he has great potential. We don't look at age, we focus on performances.

"Pau Cubarsi is at a great moment and that generates a lot of enthusiasm for us. We want to have him with us for a long time."

As expected, there is also a position for 16-year-old Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal, who has already netted twice in four appearances for his national side.

"I'm happy to be able to enjoy having these [Cubarsi and Yamine Lamal] young players in the squad because the future of Spanish football is guaranteed," De La Fuente added.

"I think these players are very special, it's not common to have players of 16 and 17 in the national team. We have selected them with conviction and confidence. They are ready. We are not afraid to select them."

There is also a first call-up for central defender Dani Vivian, who has been rewarded for his impressive form for Athletic Bilbao during the 2023-24 campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro has also returned to the set-up, with the right-back bidding to add to the two caps that he has earned for his national side.

Alvaro Morata is the captain and leading goalscorer in the squad with 34, and he is joined by the likes of Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal in the forward positions.

Kepa Arrizabalaga's lack of action at Real Madrid in recent weeks has cost him a spot in the squad, with Alex Remiro picked as the third goalkeeper.

Pau Torres, Inigo Martinez and Ansu Fati are also notable absentees, as De la Fuente shapes his squad for Euro 2024, which will see Spain take on Croatia, Italy and Albania in the group stage.

La Roja will take on Colombia on March 22 before tackling Brazil four days later.

Full Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Alex Remiro, David Raya

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Jesus Navas, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivan, Jose Gaya, Alex Grimaldo

Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Oihan Sancet, Alex Baena

Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Joselu, Gerardo Moreno, Pablo Sarabia, Mikel Oyarzabal