Moleiro left out of Spain World Cup squad as ex-Villarreal quartet make De la Fuente’s plans | OneFootball

Alberto Moleiro has been left out of Spain’s World Cup squad, ending the Villarreal playmaker’s bid for a call-up. No current Villarreal player will represent Spain at the tournament.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Moleiro made the provisional list but Luis de la Fuente omitted him from the final cut. Fans at La Cerámica chanted for his selection after Sunday’s win over Atlético Madrid, which sealed third place, and he acknowledged their backing.

The Tenerife-born midfielder has featured for Spain at under-19, eight caps and one goal, and under-21, 14 games. He produced an outstanding season for Villarreal, scoring 10 goals.

There will also be no representation from the province of Castellón. Pablo Fornals of Betis misses out despite a strong campaign and recent call-ups, with intense competition in central and attacking midfield.

Pau Torres, part of the Qatar 2022 squad, is also absent. Despite fine form at Aston Villa and a recent Europa League title, De la Fuente has chosen other defensive profiles.

Spain’s plans do include four with Villarreal ties, Yeremy Pino, Álex Baena, Rodri Hernández and Borja Iglesias, the latter a youth product who did not play for the first team. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is a key leader. Villarreal will have players at the tournament with other nations, including Renato Veiga with Portugal, Logan Costa with Cape Verde and Nicolas Pepe with Ivory Coast, plus Pape Gueye, Tani Oluwaseyi, Tajon Buchanan, Santiago Mouriño, Alex Freeman and Ilias Akhomach.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo