Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has provided an insight into the reasoning behind the ongoing exclusions of Alejandro Balde and Álvaro Carreras from his setup.
This of course comes amid long-standing chatter surrounding the berth in La Roja’s ranks.
For some time now, De la Fuente has relied upon Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen as his two chief left-backs.
As much has meant the aforementioned Balde and Carreras watching on from afar.
The latter’s stellar form this season in particular has given rise to mounting calls on the part of the Real Madrid faithful for their side’s summer signing to be handed a chance to impress by his country at senior level.
Speaking during an interview with Diario AS this week, the names of both Carreras and Balde were therefore put to Spain’s headmaster.
And De la Fuente was unwavering in his response, explaining:
“All clubs are delighted to have their players called up to the national team, every single one. And I don’t know a single player who doesn’t want to come. But this is normal because it enhances the value of both the club and the player. The national team is a media showcase that gives you worldwide recognition. That said, I’m completely impervious to comments. Our decisions are ours, and I bring in those I believe are the best. Balde has already been with me, and Carreras hasn’t yet, but he’s played for the youth national teams. Both are on our preliminary list and are doing very well, but as long as I believe there are others who are performing well, they’ll continue to be called up.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
