Former world and European champions Spain have released their final 23 man squad for the FIFA 2018 world cup in Russia. The team which is as strong as expected came with a few surprises. One major notable miss in the Spain world cup squad is struggling Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

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As expected most of the players that made Spain world cup squad play in La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona supplied 10 players between them. A total of four Premier League players was named in Julen Lopetegui’s 23 man Spain World cup squad with Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea, Manchester City midfielder David Silva, Chelsea defender and Vice-captain Cesar Azpilicueta as well as versatile Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal making the cut.

The major headline following the release of the 23 man Spain World cup squad was the absence of Morata who left Real Madrid for Chelsea in the summer. The striker who struggled to keep up with the pace in English Football was omitted from the Squad with the Likes of Rodrigo, Iago Aspas, Diego Costa and Lucas Vazquez preferred in his position.

Despite his omission from the squad, the 25-year-old striker went on to wish the squad well via his Twitter handle. His tweet read: “lots of luck”

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Another surprising absentee from England is technically gifted Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso whose place was taken by Monreal in a move that seems more likely for versatility than for ability. He was joined by Pedro Rodriguez, Hector Bellerin and Cesc Fabregas on the Absentee list.

Other players who made the Spain world cup squad outside the La Liga contingent include; Midfielder Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich and Goalkeeper Pepe Reina who plays for Napoli with the likes of Marc Batra of Dortmund also missing out.

Spain World Cup Squad 2018 – Full List of Final 23 Man Spain World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers:

1. David de Gea (Manchester United)
2. Pepe Reina (Napoli)
3. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders:

1. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
2. Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
3. Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad)
4. Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid)
5. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
6. Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
7. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
8. Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders:

1. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
2. Isco (Real Madrid)
3. Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
4. David Silva (Manchester City)
5. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards:

1. Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
2. Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
3. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
4. Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia)
5. Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)

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Notable Names that are Missing in 2018 Spain World Cup squad

1. Alvaro Morata – Chelsea
2. Cesc Fabregas – Chelsea
3. Juan Mata – Man Utd
4. Asier Illaramendi – Real Sociedad
5. Luis Alberto – Lazio
6. Jose Callejon – Napoli
7. Marcos Alonso – Chelsea
8. Javi Martinez – Bayern Munich
9. Marc Bartra – Real Betis
10. Sergi Roberto – Barcelona
11. Sergio Asenjo – Villarreal

What do you think of the 23 man 2018 Spain World Cup Squad?