Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi To Headline Spain's Football Squad At Paris Olympics

Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi has been included in Spain's squad for the football tournament at the Paris Olympic Games. Despite being eligible, players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pedri were not selected. The 17-year-old centre-back was initially part of Luis de la Fuente's provisional squad for Euro 2024 but did not make the final cut.

Spain's head coach Santi Denia had the option to select players under 23 years old. Manchester City's Sergio Gomez, Sporting CP's Abel Ruiz, and Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda filled the three overage spots. Although Yamal, Williams, and Pedri were eligible, they were not chosen in the initial 22-man squad that will be reduced to 18 before the Games.

For this year's competition, Spain has been drawn into Group C alongside Uzbekistan, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic. Their first match is scheduled against Uzbekistan on July 24. Spain secured a silver medal at the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo three years ago after losing 2-1 in extra time to Brazil in the gold medal match.

Eric Garcia, who spent last season on loan at Girona, joins Cubarsi in the squad. Fermin Lopez and Alex Baena are also included despite participating in Euro 2024 with the senior team. The selection process allowed Denia to pick a mix of young talents and experienced players to strengthen the team.

The provisional squad includes goalkeepers Arnau Tenas (Paris Saint-Germain), Joan Garcia (Espanyol), and Alejandro Iturbe (Atletico Madrid). Defenders named are Marc Pubill (Almeria), Juanlu Sanchez (Sevilla), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Jon Pacheco (Real Sociedad), Juan Miranda (Real Betis), and Miguel Gutierrez (Girona).

The midfielders selected are Adrian Bernabe (Parma), Benat Turrientes (Real Sociedad), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid), Aimar Oroz (Osasuna), Sergio Gomez (Manchester City), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), and Diego Lopez (Valencia). Forwards include Sergio Camello (Rayo Vallecano) and Samu Omorodion (Atletico Madrid).

The official Twitter account of Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol shared: "Comienza nuestra aventura... Es momento de soñar! Estos son los ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? citados por ???????????????????? ???????????????????? de cara a la preparación de los Juegos Olímpicos." https://t.co/SWxa1zXU5E

Spain aims to improve upon their previous performance by securing a gold medal this year. The blend of youth and experience in their squad could prove crucial as they navigate through Group C and beyond.