Begin the era of Santi Denia

Santi Denia making his debut as U-21 coach six months after the start of European of the category, keeping the block of Louis of Source and had two matches against important rivals, the first against Switzerland this Friday (21:00 CET time, -1 GMT) at Almeria and the second on Tuesday against France which will serve as a test of the true level of Spain.

After the qualifying phase without defeat -only one, match Russiawas annulled when it was kicked out of the competition for invading the Ukraine– against rivals with no depth in the European scene, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) established Switzerland and France as important friends.

Both matches will be the only matches Spain Under-21 will play before the final roster for Europeanto be played on Georgia and Romania from June 21 to July 8, and includes a coach change.

After 13 years working in the lower categories and the European sub-17 and sub-19 titles, Santi Denia will take care of the Sub-21 before a tournament that will have three tickets for Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesso its importance is even greater.

For its premiere, the Albacete coach did not make profound changes in his call-up compared to the last one in November given by Luis de la Fuente, as it included six changes to the 23 players called up.

A list of the lows Jeremy Pinowhich was replaced Peter in absolute, as Gabriel Veigainjured. Ander BarrenetxeaEuropean champion in sub-19 with Deniaand Pablo Barrioswhich debuts in Spain Under-21 They were chosen, respectively, to occupy the positions of the two casualties.

In the hope of maintaining the usual 4-2-3-1 scheme in Santi Denia and in the Under-21 of Louis of Sourcethe main question is who will sit in the place of an indisputable Luis as Benat Turrientes and it was not called by Denia.

Nico Gonzalezafter overcoming the fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the left foot, and Anthony Whitewho returned after a year in an Under-21 call-up, disputing that place.

In addition, in purpose, the minutes with Athletic Club of Julen Agirrezabala they can advance him to the goal in a Arnau Tenas who finished November as the starting goalkeeper.

Some doubts will begin to be resolved in the stadium Almeria Power House this Friday in the first of two friendlies in March, against a Switzerland already qualified for the summer European.

likely lineups

Spain: Agirrezabala; Arnau Martinez, Guillamón, Pacheco, Miranda; White, Oihan Sancet; Sergio Gomez, Baena, Rodrigo Riquelme; and Abel Ruiz.

Switzerland: Saipi; Muller, Stergiou, Burch, Husic; Rieder, Male, Imeri; Amdouni, Ndoye and Mambimbi.

Referee: Jeremy Pignard (France).

stadium: Powerhouse (Almeria).

Time: 9:00 p.m