Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called up Porto striker Samuel Omorodion to La Roja’s 26-man squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Switzerland, Afrosport reports.
The 20-year-old Omorodion, who was born in Spain to Nigerian parents, was part of the Spanish team that won gold at the Paris Olympic Games.
After a move to Premier League club Chelsea broke down, Omorodion joined Portuguese club Porto and has since flourished at the Estadio do Dragao, scoring 11 goals in 12 matches this campaign.
“At the age of 20, he [Samu Omorodion] has football potential. He burst on to the scene in a way that has attracted attention. It’s time to give him continuity,” De la Fuente told reporters on Friday.
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who has been impeccable for the Catalan club this season, also received a call-up.
“It’s all thanks to his confidence, commitment and ability. There are very good players who need that kind of demand to shine. He is ready, but he still has room for improvement,” De la Fuente added about Casado.
“Barcelona is doing a fantastic job. It’s about giving opportunities. Young talented players are capable of not failing – this is good for Spanish football.”
However, Casado’s club teammate, Pau Cubarsi, has been left out after the 17-year-old suffered a facial injury in their Champions League win against Red Star Belgrade, with Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aitor Paredes being named in his place.
Other notable names on the list include Tottenham defender Pedro Porro, Saudi-based Aymeric Laporte, the Barcelona trio of Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, and captain Alvaro Morata.
Defending champions Spain sit in Group A4 with 10 points and have already advanced to the quarterfinals. They will be looking to clinch top spot in the group when they visit Parken Stadium to take on Denmark on Friday, November 15, before hosting Switzerland in Tenerife three days later.
Full Spain 26-man squad
Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Robert Sanchez (Chelsea)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Daniel Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Pau Torres (Aston Villa), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Aitor Paredes (Athletic Bilbao)
Midfielders: Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Pedri (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Marc Casado (Barcelona)
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Milan), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Villarreal), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna).
