Spain Under-21 Eyes European Crown Despite Pedri and Gavi Absence
The long-standing cracks of FC Barcelona run deep, yet they do not appear on the current list of Santi Denia for the Spain Under-21 squad. This week, the Spain U21 team pursues a sixth European title in its history, a milestone that would extend its storied success in the continental championship. The squad boasts strong contenders to lift the trophy again, though the path is undeniably challenging. It would, naturally, feel more approachable if stars like Pedri and Gavi were part of the mix for this tournament.
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Why aren’t Pedri and Gavi Part of Spain’s European Under-21 Championship Squad in Romania and Georgia?
Pedri González, born November 25, 2002, is currently 20 years old and eligible to participate in the European Under-21 Championship scheduled to take place in Romania and Georgia in the near future. Gavi, younger by several years, was born on August 5, 2004, and is 18. He is also not included in Denia’s squad and will not appear at the European Under-21 Championship.
Many fans wonder why these two Barça stars are not competing with Spain at the tournament hosted in Romania and Georgia. The explanation lies in their deep commitment to the Absolute national team, the senior squad. Both players have been part of the Spanish national team since the tenure of Luis Enrique and continue to be involved under the current coach, Luis de la Fuente.
It is uncommon for a player deeply integrated into the senior setup to be moved down to minor age groups; still, Pedri did participate in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics (held in 2020) with the Under-23 team while already part of the senior setup.
Following a demanding season for both club and country, the two Barcelona midfielders are now enjoying well-deserved holidays. Gavi even contributed during the Nations League Final Four, while Pedri was sidelined by injury for the final leg of that continental competition, which concluded on June 18.
Spain’s European Under-21 Championship Squad: Who Made Denia’s List and Where Do They Play?
Below are the 23 players named to Santi Denia’s squad.
Goalkeepers: Julen Agirrezabala (Athletic), Leo Román (Mallorca), Arnau Tenas (FC Barcelona)
Defenders: Arnau Martínez (Girona), Víctor Gómez (Braga), Hugo Guillamón (Valencia), Manu Sánchez (Osasuna), Juan Miranda (Betis), Jon Pacheco (Real Sociedad), Mario Gila (Lazio), Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club)
Midfielders: Antonio Blanco (Alavés), Gabri Veiga (Celta), Alejandro Baena (Villarreal), Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club), Aimar Oroz (Osasuna), Adrián Bernabé (Parma)
Forwards: Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad), Rodri Sánchez (Betis), Rodrigo Riquelme (Girona), Sergio Gómez (Manchester City), Sergio Camello (Rayo Vallecano), Abel Ruiz (Braga)