Full Breakdown
Spain's New Faces: Cristhian Mosquera and Joan García Earn First Call-Ups
3/21/2026, 5:32:49 PM
Key Call-Ups for Spain's Upcoming Friendlies
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García have received their first call-ups to the Spain national team for friendly matches against Serbia and Egypt. Coach Luis de la Fuente announced the 27-man squad, highlighting Mosquera's impressive performance at Arsenal, where he has made 25 appearances this season since joining from Valencia for approximately £13 million. De la Fuente praised Mosquera's commitment and leadership as the Under-21 captain, noting, "He is having a good season with Arsenal."
García, who has kept 11 clean sheets in 22 league games for Barcelona, is also recognized for his long-standing contributions to Spain's youth teams. De la Fuente remarked, "He's a great goalkeeper," emphasizing that the decision to include him in the senior squad comes at the right time.
Background on Player Performances
Cristhian Mosquera's journey to the senior squad follows a successful stint with Spain's Olympic team, where he played in the 2024 games. Despite facing an ankle injury that limited his appearances between December and January, he has been a key player for Arsenal, contributing to their title challenge in the Premier League. Joan García's consistent performances for Barcelona have solidified his reputation, making him a suitable candidate for the national team.
Squad Composition and Notable Omissions
The squad features a mix of established stars and emerging talents, including Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has returned to fitness after injury setbacks. Notably, Athletic Club forward Nico Williams is absent due to injury, while Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal has been omitted despite recovering from an ACL injury, reflecting the competitive nature of the selection process.
Criticism & Opposition
While the inclusion of Mosquera and García has been largely welcomed, some critics argue that the squad lacks experience in key positions, particularly in defense. The absence of seasoned players like Carvajal raises questions about the team's readiness for upcoming challenges.
Official Statements & Responses
Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence in the squad's composition, stating, "We celebrate Rodrigo's current form. He's a key player." He also addressed the cancellation of Spain's Finalissima game against Argentina, attributing it to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mosquera is committed, the Under-21 captain, who wants to play for Spain,” — Luis de la Fuente, Spain National Team Coach
- “He's a great goalkeeper,” — Luis de la Fuente, on Joan García
- “We celebrate Rodrigo's current form,” — Luis de la Fuente, on Rodri's fitness
What's Next
Spain will face Serbia in Villarreal on March 27 and Egypt in Barcelona on March 31, providing an opportunity for the new call-ups to showcase their skills on the international stage.
