David de Gea was told last month that he was no longer Spain’s No.1.
And La Roja boss Robert Moreno stuck to his word in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Romania.
De Gea, 28, has 39 senior caps to his name and had been Spain’s first choice since replacing World Cup winner Iker Casillas between the sticks towards the end of the Vicente del Bosque era.
But he is now playing back up to Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga, as the Manchester United goalkeeper was left on the substitutes bench in Bucharest
De Gea was overlooked by Moreno earlier this year, when the former No.2 replaced Luis Enrique, after the ex-Barcelona boss stepped away from the role.
Kepa, the world’s most expensive keeper, began all three games for which Moreno was previously in charge, most latterly in June.
Yet De Gea had been expected to return as first choice when Spain returned to competitive action on Thursday night.
However, in the Romania capital, it was Kepa who kept his place between the sticks, preferred to De Gea and third choice Pau Lopez.
Speaking on Wednesday, Moreno looked to keep a lid on the battle between his stoppers, declaring: "If the goalkeepers are at the level that they have shown up to now, it's possible to alternate them.
"I don't believe that in a national team it's crucial that the same goalkeeper plays all the games.
"I'm expectant but I don't see it as a debut having felt that way against the Faroe Islands and Sweden. I'm looking forward to the game and to do well.”
Regardless, right now, Kepa is very much the man in possession.
