Luis de la Fuente has finalized his squad for Spain's Nations League quarterfinal against the Netherlands, with Raúl Asencio being the standout new inclusion. The Real Madrid center-back has impressed with his performances, earning him a call-up to the senior national team for the first time. Despite having not played for Spain’s U21 side, Asencio now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career.

De la Fuente praised the young defender’s form and explained the decision to include him. "Raúl has been having a fantastic season," the coach stated. "He's a player who excelled in the lower categories but hadn't made the jump to the U21s. Some players fast-track their development, and that's the case with Raúl."

In a subtle nod to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been known for not frequently promoting youth players to the first team, de la Fuente emphasized the importance of giving young talent a chance. "I’ve always advocated for opportunities for young players, those with talent and ability," he said. "When they are given a chance, they prove their quality. Raúl is an example of this, and we’re happy to have him as part of this team."

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