Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has been appointed as the new captain of the Spanish national team, as per a report from Diario AS.
Following the retirement of Sergio Busquets in the wake of Spain’s exit in the round of 16 from the 2022 World Cup, the captaincy post has been up for grabs.
With players such as Koke and Jordi Alba not making the cut for the March international break, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has chosen Morata as the team’s captain.
The decision has surprised the fans, with some raising questions over Morata’s capabilities as a leader.
Morata has been a key figure in La Roja’s squad in recent years. He has racked up 30 goals in 61 appearances, ranking fifth in Spain’s all-time scorer’s list.
He has also been in great form at the club level this season, bagging ten goals in La Liga, only two away from equalling last season’s tally.
The former Juventus star also had a good World Cup campaign in Qatar – netting three goals in four games – despite Spain being eliminated by Morocco in the last-16.
Morata is undoubtedly the leader in Spain’s attack and will look to make an impact in the upcoming European Championship qualifying games against Norway and Scotland.
De La Fuente has appointed Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal as the vice-captain.
The 31-year-old has been going through a difficult spell at the Spanish capital, with his recent performance in the Clasico defeat against Barcelona receiving plenty of criticism.
