Xuenou > Sports > Sergio Ramos defended by team-mate after he’s snubbed for Spain World Cup squad
Sergio Ramos defended by team-mate after he’s snubbed for Spain World Cup squad
Sergio Ramos defended by team-mate after he's snubbed for Spain World Cup squad,Sergio Ramos may not have been good enough to feature in Spain's World Cup squad this year - but the centre back is still the best defender in the game in the eyes of PSG pal Achraf Hakimi

Sergio Ramos defended by team-mate after he’s snubbed for Spain World Cup squad

Achraf Hakimi has leapt to the defence of Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Sergio Ramos after he was axed from Spain's World Cup squad.

Ramos was one of the shock omissions from Spain's squad when it was announced for the Qatar competition on Thursday by boss Luis Enrique. The 36-year-old's ousting comes as a surprise, after he's featured in the last four World Cups for his country.

Despite playing in 19 of PSG's matches across all competitions this season, Enrique decided to leave the Real Madrid legend at home, along with Liverpool ace Thiago, Manchester United keeper David De Gea, plus Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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Hakimi has defended Ramos after the centre-back was axed from Spain's squad for the World Cup (Image: PSG via Getty Images)

The experienced quartet will have to look on enviously as Premier League counterparts Robert Sanchez, who plays for Brighton, Brentford ace David Raya, Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and Rodri, plus Blues icon Cesar Azpilicueta travel to Qatar for Spain. But Hakimi reckons Enrique has made a big mistake leaving out his PSG comrade, who he feels is the best in his position at the back.

Hakimi reckons Ramos is the best defender in the world (Image: ANP via Getty Images)

Hakimi tweeted: "Sergio Ramos Best defend in the world." And Ramos also thinks he's still got what it takes to compete on the world's biggest stage, although he respects Enrique's decision.

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And he made his feelings known in a tweet

Speaking last week before the squad's were announced, Ramos said whilst sharing his hopes of regaining his spot at the next World Cup, when he'll be 40: "Everyone knows what playing for Spain means to me. I feel good, I'm available, but it's a decision that doesn't depend on me, it depends on the coach.

"I respect him a lot. I can only continue playing and waiting.

The World Cup winner is a legend of the game but won't be in Qatar (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"I hope to have the opportunity to participate in a new World Cup." But in the meantime, Ramos will have to cheer on his country from the sidelines.

Luckily for Hakimi, he didn't suffer the same fate as Ramos and was included in Morocco's squad for the World Cup, along with Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech. The Blues winger was previously told he'd never play for his country again 'even if he was Lionel Messi' amid a dispute with former boss Vahid Halilhodzic, however, the 29-year-old was given a reprieve when Morocco's former boss was replaced by Walid Regragui in September.

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