Real Madrid’s Asensio and Dani Ceballos named in Spain’s Tokyo Olympics squad

As many as six players playing at UEFA Euro 2020 were named in Spain’s squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan. The list includes goalkeeper Unai Simons, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri.

While none of Real Madrid’s players made it to the Euros, the likes of Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos will represent their country in the Tokyo Games. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos, who had previously expressed his desire to play in the Olympics, has been left out.

Men’s football in the Olympic Games, which allows just three players above the age of 23 in their squad, begins on July 22 meaning that if Spain does make it to the Euro 2020 final, the six aforementioned players won’t have much of a break between the two tournaments. 

There is only an 11-day gap between the Euro 2020 final and Spain’s opening game in the Olympics. The team will play their opener against a Mohamed Salah-less Egypt on July 22.

Furthermore, since the schedule for football at Tokyo 2020 finishes on August 7, players involved in the Olympic Games will need to rush back for club duties with La Liga beginning from August 14. 

Meanwhile, La Roja recently played an eight-goal thriller in their UEFA Euro round of 16 tie against Croatia, winning the game 5-3. They next face Switzerland in the quarter-final on Friday in St Petersburg.

Spain football team squad for Tokyo Olympics

Goalkeepers: Alvaro Fernandez, Unai Simon, Alex Dominguez

Defenders: Oscar Mingueza, Jesus Vallejo, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Oscar Gil, Juan Miranda

Midfielders: Marc Cucurella, Jon Moncayola, Martin Zubimendi, Dani Ceballos, Mikel Merino, Carlos Soler, Pedri

Forwards: Bryan Gil, Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Rafa Mir, Javi Puado

Featured photo: AFP / Lluis Gene