Juan Bernat named to Spain squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers

Juan Bernat has been named to the Spain squad for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches against Slovakia and Macedonia. Bernat will likely be used in reserve behind Barcelona's Jordi Alba. However, his speed and ability to get up and down the flank will make him a valuable late game substitution if the situation arises.

Spain find themselves in second place after six matchdays, a full three points behind leaders Slovakia. In the end, it doesn't really matter, because the top two teams from each group advances to the tournament, and the third place team is also in either automatically or after a playoff. Spain will be in Euro 2016.

Neither Javi Martinez nor Thiago Alcantara are in the squad for the two matches. Martinez has just return to training with a ball at his feet, and Thiago isn't yet back to full match fitness after missing a few early matches with an injury. The other Spaniard in the squad, Xabi Alonso, announced his retirement last year.

While Bernat hasn't seen as much playing time thus far in 2015-16 thanks to a healthy midfield, he's still going to be a valuable player out wide left for FC Bayern this season.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David de Gea, Sergio Rico

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Juanfran, Cesar Azpilicueta, Juan Bernat, Marc Batra, Dani Carvajal

Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, Koke, Isco, Vitolo

Forwards: Pedro, Diego Costa, Paco Alcacer