Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen among the players returning to the national team.
Spain will play four Nations League matches during the next international break, with De la Fuente naming his first squad since the team became two-time world champions.
There were few major surprises, although Huijsen’s inclusion was notable after the defender missed out on the World Cup.
De la Fuente welcomes Huijsen back
Speaking to the press after the announcement of the squad, De la Fuente welcomed Huijsen back to the squad, along with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who missed the World Cup with injury.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the effort they put in to earn a place in the national team. They work hard and give it their all. They’re a fantastic group, both on and off the pitch,” he said, as quoted by AS.
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Huijsen is back in the Spain squad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
“Both Dean and Fermin – who suffered an unfortunate injury, as all injuries are – can enjoy that experience,” the Spain boss added.
De la Fuente further spoke about Huijsen’s return and explained what he wanted to see from the Real Madrid defender going forward.
“He looks great, which is why we’re betting on him. The player who performs consistently performs better,” he said.
“A footballer must understand that competition makes him better, and that he needs to respect the fact that at certain times, his teammates are playing better,” he added.
The Spain manager also highlighted the competition for places in the squad, saying: “We’re always looking to field the most competitive team possible.
“Dean has to understand, just like the others, that he he must always work with the aim of improving – just as he’s doing now. It will be great for him and for his club.
“There’s a lot of competition. At the World Cup, our centre-backs were the best in the world. We have to really push through that door.”
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Huijsen has started the season well. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Huijsen enjoying a strong start at Real Madrid
Huijsen has emerged as one of the major positives of Real Madrid’s opening weeks of the season.
One of Jose Mourinho’s priorities was to restore the defender to his best level, and the early signs suggest that the plan is working.
Huijsen has established himself as an important part of Real Madrid’s defence and has produced a series of performances that have earned him another opportunity with Spain.
His return to the national team squad represents recognition of that progress.
After missing the World Cup, the Real Madrid centre-back now has the chance to work his way back into De la Fuente’s plans while continuing to develop under Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Zidane explains Real Madrid midfielder’s exclusion from France squad: ‘For his recovery process…’
Zinedine Zidane, France manager
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Former Real Madrid player, manager, and club legend Zinedine Zidane is now the head coach of the France national team.
Having taken over the reins from Didier Deschamps after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the legendary Frenchman announced his first national team squad list earlier today.
Les Bleus are set to play four games in the UEFA Nations League over the next three weeks in Zidane’s first assignment, and he has called up three players from Real Madrid in his squad.
Indeed, Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate, and Eduardo Camavinga have all been included in the roster, but Aurelien Tchouameni did not make the cut.
Zidane explains decision to leave Tchouameni out
Speaking to the media after the announcement of the squad, Zidane explained his thinking behind not calling Tchouameni up for France’s upcoming matches.
“He’s a player who was sidelined for two months. For his recovery process, it was better for him to stay in Madrid,” the French manager said, as quoted by RMC Sport.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Tchouameni has not been called up by France. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Tchouameni returned to Real Madrid after the World Cup carrying an injury and did not play a part in pre-season under Jose Mourinho.
Having recently recovered, the midfielder made his comeback only recently, coming off the bench against Inter Milan, before getting more minutes against Rayo Vallecano, and then going on to start his first game of the season vs Elche.
While he has been steadily building up his fitness and match rhythm, Zidane felt it was best that Tchouameni was spared from international duty so that he can stay in Madrid focus on his complete recovery.
On Kylian Mbappe
Meanwhile, during the media interaction, Zidane also confirmed that Mbappe will continue as the France captain under him.
“Yes, he is now my new player and will be my captain,” the Real Madrid legend said.
Zinedine Zidane of France and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Zidane confirms Mbappe will continue as France captain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
On being asked about the French superstar’s Ballon d’Or candidacy, Zidane refused to speculate, saying:
“I’m not going to blow the whistle to end play. I know what it’s like to be a Ballon d’Or winner. Every now and then there are a few little chats. But we won’t necessarily be talking about that behind closed doors.”
Giving his two cents on the criticism laid at Mbappe over his lack of defensive work, Zidane dismissed the notion as false, saying:
“It’s a bogus issue, a bogus debate; we’ll have to deal with him just like any other player. When we don’t have the ball, we’ll have to work hard. That won’t be a problem for Kylian.”
On whether he saw the Real Madrid ace as France’s best No. 9, Zidane added: “I don’t think so, he can play in all three positions, I really like him on the left.”