OFFICIAL: Balde to replace Gaya at World Cup

OFFICIAL: Balde to replace Gaya at World Cup

BeSoccer 1 year ago 2.1k |

Reading time: minutes

Balde has been called up by Spain to play in the World Cup. EFE

Luis Enrique has already made his mind up. The coach has decided to call up Alejandro Balde instead of the injured Jose Luis Gaya. The Barcelona player, who was with Spain's U21s, will join the team in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.

It is now official. Alejandro Balde will play in the Qatar World Cup for the Spanish national team. The left-back for Barcelona has been chosen by coach Luis Enrique to replace Jose Luis Gaya, who will miss the Spain game due to a low grade sprain to his right ankle.

Just 15 minutes after confirming the absence of the Valencia full-back, Spain revealed the name of the player chosen to replace him. In an official statement published on their website, the Spanish FA (RFEF) explained that the young Barcelona player was with the Spain Under 21s. Balde has now said goodbye to those to play in a World Cup for the senior team at the age of just 19.

Luis Enrique has wanted to reward the Barca full-back's brilliant start to the season. It will be his first experience in the Spanish national team and it will be to play in a World Cup.

Alex Balde has been through all the age group categories for Spain until finally becoming part of the senior team. So far this season for Barca, he has played 12 La Liga matches and another four in the Champions League.

FIFA just had to approve the switch before it was made official and that was granted.

This is the official statement from the Spanish national team:

"After it was confirmed that Jose Luis Gaya has to leave the Spanish camp through injury, the coaching staff have taken the decision to replace him with Alejandro Balde. Balde, who was win the Under 21s, will join the Spain team in Qatar, the statement reads.

"The Barcelona defender is 19 years old and this will be his first time for Spain's senior team. Luis Enrique has had in mind his brilliant start to the season to replace Gaya. The man from Barcelona has been through all the age group categories in Spain. He has played two matches for the Under 21s, This season, he has made 12 appearances for Barcelona and four in the Champions League.

November 18, 2022

After the news was revealed, RB Leipzig player Hugo Novoa published a video on his official Instagram account which showed Balde ecstatic.

November 18, 2022