Wolverhampton Wanderers linked midfielder Oscar Rodriguez has been handed his first ever call-up to the Spanish squad, with Luis Enrique hailing the Real Madrid youngster’s ‘exceptional’ shooting ability, in quotes reported by Marca.
It speaks volumes about the amount of quality and experience Los Blancos can call on in the centre of the park that there is no immediate place in Zinedine Zidane’s squad for perhaps the most feared free-kick taker in the whole of Europe.
Oscar scored nine largely spectacular goals during a stunning loan spell at Leganes last season.
Four of those came from dead-ball situations, including a laser-guided 30-yard rocket that would have made Cristiano Ronaldo himself blush (or rip his shirt off flex his six pack, more likely).
Real are keen to see how Oscar performs at a higher level as he looks to build his reputation away from the baying Bernabeu.
The 22-year-old is available on loan and, according to Marca, Real are also willing to sell for £9 million on the agreement that a buy-back clause would be included in his contract.
Wolves are just one of many interested parties (OndaCero in May).
But, with Oscar forcing his way into a star-studded Spanish midfield, Wolves should act fast before a growing queue of suitors grows even longer.
“We know this guy from the U21s and we really liked his performance at Leganes. He has proven to be an important player in all facets,” says Barcelona’s treble treble-winning coach.
“He is a very well associated footballer, intelligent and with an exceptional shot. He plays in the middle, but he can also play on the wing. Curiously, I was surprised by his physicality, his positioning and his intelligence without the ball.
“And his free-kick goals. He is one of the ones I most want to see.”
Eric Garcia, Adama Traore, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Unai Simon and Sergio Reguilon have also been handed call-ups to a youthful, exciting and forward-thinking Spain team for the upcoming Nations League clashes with Germany and Ukraine.
Norwich City and Bournemouth were also linked with Oscar but their hopes have gone up in smoke thanks to relegation.
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