Ghanaian Nico Williams named in Spain’s final 26-man squad for 2022 World Cup

Luis Enrique has named his Spain squad for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, with the inclusion of Ghanaian Nico Williams.

The winger made his national team debut in September as he featured in Spain’s defeat to Switzerland, a day after his elder brother Inaki had played his first game for the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association were hoping to lure both Williams brothers to play for the Black Stars but Nico has chosen to represent Spain.

The enterprising youngster was in Ghana together with his brother during the summer holidays but was far from being a Black Stats player.

There are no enormous surprises in terms of inclusions, though the likes of Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, Leeds defender Diego Llorente and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias have been overlooked.

Enrique had opted for continuity for the most part during the most recent part of the qualifying and that has been the main theme again in his final selections.

Long-term stalwarts of the national team include full-backs Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba, captain Sergio Busquets, midfielder Koke and striker Alvaro Morata.

But the gradual regeneration of the national team can be seen in both of goalkeeper Unai Simon’s understudies having just one cap apiece – Premier League-based duo Robert Sanchez and David Raya – and three of Enrique’s attacking options having fewer than ten caps, including Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati.

Teenage midfield stars Gavi and Pedri are in the squad, as are Barcelona teammates Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia.

Spain kick off their group campaign against Costa Rica on 23 November, before also facing Germany and Japan. They will also play a warm-up match against Jordan on 17 November.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (PSG), Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Ansu Fati (Barcelona)