World Cup 2018: 5 biggest snubs in national squads

#4 Marcos Alonso (Spain)

Marcos Alonso playing for Spain against Argentina in an international friendly

Marcos Alonso has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League over the last two seasons, and yet he has not made it to Spain’s world cup squad. He was even selected on PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year this year but ultimately Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal got the nod ahead of him.

Alonso has shown great versatility in his time at Chelsea, playing as a traditional left back as well as further up forward as a left midfielder and has done an admirable job in both positions and he is the type of player any squad would be lucky to have.

He is one of the few defenders in world football who are a legitimate goal threat and Spain would have benefitted greatly from his presence. They might be unbeaten ever since coach Julen Lopetegui took over, but there is a big difference between playing friendlies in the midst of the club season and playing at the World Cup. Their defence will come most certainly come under pressure at various points, and Alonso could have been vital in providing an outlet.

Spain’s squad contains a relatively untested quantity in Alvaro Odriozola along with a lesser defender in Nacho Monreal and Alonso definitely merited a place in the side above both, but such is life, and unfortunately for Alonso, he will be forced to watch the World Cup from home.