The Spanish national team have announced their preliminary 29-man squad for the 2024 European Championship, and there’s a shock omission from the list.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has opted against handing Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro a chance to represent his country in Germany next month despite enjoying an exceptional season.
The 24-year-old right back was an indispensable part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad that narrowly missed out on Champions League football.
Porro’s numbers were nothing short of exceptional, even though he was part of a Spurs backline that was guilty of leaking goals – conceding 61 times in 38 league games.
Only West Ham United (74), Chelsea (63) and Newcastle United (62) conceded more than Tottenham of any side that finished in the top ten.
However, Porro’s was incredible at both ends of the pitch. He bagged three goals and seven assists in the league while creating an astonishing 13 big chances, emphasising his importance to the team.
He also averaged 83.2 touches and 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes while boasting a remarkable 6.03 expected assist (xA).
In his primary defensive duties, the former Sporting CP man helped keep five clean sheets, while averaging 2.6 tackles, 2.3 clearances, 5.7 ball recoveries and an interception per match.
He also won 52% of his ground battles and recorded a 55% success rate in aerial duels, which is outstanding considering his diminutive frame.
Porro was also one of the first names on Postecoglou’s team sheet and missed only two games due to injuries, but his outstanding campaign wasn’t enough to earn a call-up to the national team.
De la Fuente decided to go with 38-year-old defender Jesus Navas, who is rapidly approaching the end of his career.
However, Porro’s omission from Spain’s Euro squad could benefit Tottenham.
Considering he’s one of Postecoglou’s key players, the break will allow him enough time to recuperate ahead of a potential title challenge next term.
Spurs will have an eye on claiming success in at least one of the domestic competitions, while a Europa League triumph could also be on the cards, and Porro will play a crucial part in their ambitions next term.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
