Samu Omorodion Gets First Call From The Spanish National Team

Samu Omorodion is a new player in the Spanish national team (Instagram/@samuromedion).

JAKARTA - The manager of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, champions Samu Omorodion from Porto to become a top striker who can add new elements to their attack line.

Omorodion finally got a call from his first senior team. The 20-year-old has been included in the Spanish squad for the UEFA Nations League match in November 2024 against Denmark and Switzerland.

He replaced Joselu who left Real Madrid to join Qatar club Al-Gharafa last summer.

The call for Omorodion comes after an incredible start to the season. He has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances for Porto since he joined Atleico Madrid in August 2024.

At the age group level, the attacker had scored four goals for Spain's U-21 in a 6-0 win against Malta last month.

"We are developing. You always have to add new elements. Now is the time to give opportunities to players who focus on the future."

"There's a lot of potential out there and we want to see it at the top level. Samu is only 20 years old."

"He has the potential to become a top striker. However, he must continue to develop and remain consistent."

"I hope he maintains his performance for a long time because the space for increase is huge," De la Fuente said at a press conference on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Alvaro Morata, Ayoze Perez, and Mikel Oyarzabal are other options as Spanish center-forwards.

However, Omorodion offers a different type of attacker profile if played.

"We want different options up front. I don't really like false nine. We have attackers who can play between lines, with lots of movement, all types."

"Good simu with his back facing goal, strong in transition, shooting well, comfortable in the penalty box."

"He can adapt to what we love," said De la Fuente again at ESPN.

Omorodion is one of three players called up for the first time by De la Fuente, along with Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes and Barcelona midfielder Marc Casada.

Casado, who is only 21 years old, played in Spain's third division for Barca's reserve team last season.

However, he has taken advantage of a storm of injuries at Barca to become a key player under Hansi Flick this season.

"The summons reflects the quality, hard work, and talent. There are players who need to be improved their demands to bring out their best abilities."

"If he doesn't get his place in Barca's first team, we probably won't see what he can do."

"He is a player who still has a lot to say and a lot of room to develop," said De la Fuente.

Casada is one of four Barcelona players in the Spain squad, alongside Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi defenders were not called after his face was kicked in 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League in the middle of this week.

"He suffered serious injuries and needed nine stitches. He needed a few days so that his wound recovered and his stitches could be removed. There was no need to take any risks," said the coach.

Spain, which topped the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League Group A standings, will travel to Denmark on November 15 and then host Switzerland on November 18, 2024.

Spanish Squad

Goalkeeper

David RayaAlex RemiroRoberto Sanchez

Defenders

Pedro PorroOscar Mingueza Dani VivianAymeric LaportePau TorresAitor ParedesMarc CucurellaAlejandro Grimaldo

Midfielder

Mikel MerinoMartin Zubimendi Fabian RuizMarc Casado Pedri Dani OlmoAlex Baena

Striker

Lamine YamalNico Williams Yeremy PinoBryan Zaragoza Alvaro Morata Ayoze Perez Samu OmorodionMikel Oyarzabal