Fans left astonished as Premier League flop succeeds Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos as Spain captain
FANS are shocked Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata is Spain’s new captain.
The Atletico Madrid striker succeeding legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets was labelled a “joke”.
Right-back Dani Carvajal, 31, will be 30-year-old Morata‘s vice-skipper.
But many supporters feel the two choices by new national boss Luis de la Fuente sum up Spain’s recent plight, which included a Qatar 2022 last-16 exit to Morocco.
Busquets and his predecessor Sergio Ramos were the last link to the golden age of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Co that peaked with 2010 World Cup glory.
It should be said ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star Morata has a decent international pedigree, including 30 goals in 61 games.
But he disappointed at Stamford Bridge from 2017-2020, spending the last 18 months on loan at Atletico before joining the Spaniards for £58million.
And fans noted Morata follows Barcelona great Busquets, iconic hardman defender Ramos and 167-cap keeper Iker Casillas as captain.
One observer wrote: “Spain went from the greatest captain of all time to Alvaro Morata.”
A second posted: “Went from one of the best defenders to Hattrick Offside merchant.”
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And a third was just as stunned: “No way Morata’s captain.”
Another fan claimed: “That national team is a joke.”
Morata, however, is delighted with his “incredible” new role.
AS report the Madrid-born targetman as saying: “I’ve been here with Dani (Carvajal) since we were two kids. It’s a tremendous joy. Not to be captain, but to defend the shirt of my country.
“Our role now is to help the newcomers. There’s a fantastic group and we don’t need a lot of help, but that’s what it’s all about.
“If people need something they can count on us.”