Atlético duo Esquivel and Mendoza called up by Spain Under-21s

Goalkeeper Salvador Esquivel and midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza have been called up by David Gordo's Spain Under-21 side.

After Luis de la Fuente officially named his senior Spain squad, it was the turn of 'La Rojita', Spain's Under-21 team. Spain Under-21 have announced the squad for their upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the 2027 European Championship, to be held in Serbia and Albania. Spain secured their place at the finals in style with a thumping win in San Marino.

David Gordo has selected two players from Atlético de Madrid's first-team squad: Salvador Esquivel and Rodrigo Mendoza. The midfielder, who scored and provided an assist in his last two games for the Under-21s, has managed barely 50 minutes in LaLiga and the Champions League since then, so these matches will give him valuable game time and opportunities.

Salvador Esquivel, meanwhile, has only played this season for the national side, as he is currently the third-choice goalkeeper in Atlético's first team. He started against Finland in Tampere and against Romania in Ibiza.

The squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Salvador Esquivel, Bruno Iribarne, Manu González

Defenders: Iván Fresneda, Rafita, Ángel Ortiz, Juanma Herzog, Christian Mosquera, Jon Martín, Yarek Gasiorowski, Álex Valle, David Mella

Midfielders: Chema Andrés, Marc Bernal, Peio Canales, Rodrigo Mendoza, Fer López, Thiago Pitarch

Forwards: Pablo García, Dani Rodríguez, Javi Hernández, Iker Bravo, Carlos Espí, Gonzalo García

Spain will face Japan on Friday 13 November at the Estadio Francisco de la Hera (Almendralejo) and Albania on 17 November at the Arena Kombëtare (Tirana).