Spain have named their 23 man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and there are some surprise names omitted and included by Vicente Del Bosque.
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is extremely fortunate to have been selected after yet another desperately poor campaign at club level, but his 37 goals in 107 caps for the Spanish national team have earned him his place rather than his form.
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa is included too, despite repeated muscle injuries hampering the end of his season, and the call ups of both Costa and Torres mean that Juventus’ Fernando Llorente misses out despite an impressive first year in Serie A. So too do Tottenham Hotspur’s Roberto Soldado and Alvaro Negredo of Manchester City.
On the flanks, Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu is excluded despite earning a first cap last night, while Man City’s Jesus Navas has not recovered from injury in time to feature.
Jordi Alba and Juanfran are likely to be first choice full backs, with Cesar Azpilicueta the only backup on either side – though Sergio Ramos could be deployed at right back if required.
As a result, Vicente del Bosque has left behind reported Liverpool transfer target Alberto Moreno of Sevilla and Real Madrid man Alvaro Arbeloa.
Still, the pedigree of the players included certainly shows why Spain are amongst the favourites to retain the World Cup in Brazil, and claim a fourth successive major trophy.
Full squad below:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Pepe Reina (Liverpool – on loan at Napoli)
David De Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona)
Raul Albiol (Napoli)
Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona)
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders:
Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona)
Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid)
Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
Cesc Fabregas (FC Barcelona)
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
David Silva (Manchester City)
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Forwards:
Pedro Rodriguez (FC Barcelona)
Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
David Villa (Atletico Madrid)
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
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