New players on Lopetegui's radar



Ahead of the announcement on Friday in which Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will reveal his chosen squad for this coming international break, speculation is mounting as to who will take over for Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos as the centre-back pairing, given both of their current injuries.
As a result, Lopetegui is testing out possibilities, considering players like Nacho, Marc Bartra, and Inigo Martinez to fill in.
Left-back is another position which the Basque boss will have to be weary of, with Jordi Alba out and Nacho Monreal only getting a limited run of games at Arsenal.
Some options include Sergio Escudero (Sevilla), Alex Grimaldo (Benfica), and Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), or even the possibility of a back three.
In recent weeks, Lopetegui has kept a close eye on Asier Illarramendi, who is thriving at defensive midfield for Real Sociedad, and Iago Aspas, whose goalscoring form hasn't gone unnoticed.
Nonetheless, with Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, and Jose Callejon, the team may be set in terms of strikers.Casillas may be a little shocked to not be included in Julen Lopetegui's Spain squad for his country's upcoming games, but that sentiment isn't shared by everyone, including Espanyol's Diego Lopez.
A fantastic save from the latter ensured that Espanyol left the Estadio Benito Villamarin with three points, and the ex-Milan goalkeeper faced reporters to explain his own thoughts on La Roja's goalkeeping situation after the game.
"I am not surprised, I believe that he is just another player and there is a lot of competition," Lopez told Cadena SER's El Larguero show.
"Everyone has to work in the same conditions, the national team is open to all.
"Lopetegui is showing that anyone can play for them, it isn't about who you are, what your name is or how old you are - and that is important for Spanish football.
"I give him my congratulations, this is the way to bring Spain back to their best and he is doing it."

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