Spain veteran head coach Vicente del Bosque has announced his provisional squad for Euro 2016 and surprised fans and pundits alike by leaving out a few big-name players. Chelsea striker Diego Costa is among those who didn't make the squad, along with Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata and Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres. Spain will play in Group D along with Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey.
Brazilian-born Diego Costa does not have an impressive track record for Spain, with just one goal in 10 appearances. He also had some fitness problems as he missed Chelsea's last two games with a hamstring injury. Another two significant absences are those of Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez and Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla. Vicente del Bosque has chosen to call up Athletic Bilbao veteran striker Aritz Aduriz, aged 35.
There are also some young talents in the squad, including Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid and Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid. Here is the complete squad, with the mention that the head coach can still make changes in it before the final tournament:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Koke, Saul Niguez (both Atletico Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Isco (Real Madrid), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal)
Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)
Spain have won the previous two editions of the European Championship and they are 11/2 at Bet365 to win the third consecutive tournament this summer.
sharpe
7 years ago
Not only now but even before the tournament I thought this was a strange decision, Del Bosque left his team without a central forward which I still think is one of the vital positions in football despite some "modern" coaches trying to erase CF position significance in the game. Spain had a success before without typical...
Not only now but even before the tournament I thought this was a strange decision, Del Bosque left his team without a central forward which I still think is one of the vital positions in football despite some "modern" coaches trying to erase CF position significance in the game. Spain had a success before without typical CF but that was just because they've had great players on all the other positions which is not exactly the same any more.
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Alexa Alexa 7 years ago
When I first read it,I was quite shocked by the squad that was announced by Vincente Del Bosque. Obviously,he had different idea of the team,when you compare it with what all the public wanted.I would ony bring in Fernando Torres and Diego Costa to this squad.They are best Spanish strikers at the moment.
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Milaneli
7 years ago
I must say I am shocked. I guess I understand why Juan Mata isn't called - he had bad season, not being standard 11 in Manchester United. But Torres and Costa? Like what the hell?! Torrest has been looking like the old El Nino since Jackson Martinez left Atletico Madrid, nice statistics and many goals into his pocket. Costa...
I must say I am shocked. I guess I understand why Juan Mata isn't called - he had bad season, not being standard 11 in Manchester United. But Torres and Costa? Like what the hell?! Torrest has been looking like the old El Nino since Jackson Martinez left Atletico Madrid, nice statistics and many goals into his pocket. Costa is kinda same situation, after Mourinho left he was scoring and playing like a beast, and maybe only shining star in Chelsea this season beside Willian.
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king_david
7 years ago
I can't understand why Vincente didn't call Fernado Torres, he played well during on the last season, scored 11 goals in the national championship, he was one of key player in Atletico Madrid. He has huge experience and perhaps he could be man of decisions in some hard matches.
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nik92 7 years ago
A great team, and I would like to focus on the new players on the list. Aric Aduriz, finally, 35 years old spanish stricer in best form so far. Although the coach knows how to play with false attacker, it is usually been Fabregas. This kid, Saul Niguez has exploded this season. Spaniards are a lot of focus on their...
A great team, and I would like to focus on the new players on the list. Aric Aduriz, finally, 35 years old spanish stricer in best form so far. Although the coach knows how to play with false attacker, it is usually been Fabregas. This kid, Saul Niguez has exploded this season. Spaniards are a lot of focus on their midfield, where they are generally best. What should be added, this is the last major tournament for Casillas.
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mannixx
7 years ago
A lot of suprises in Spain squad for Euro 2016 , i think a huge mistake that Del Bosque didnt call up Bellerin he is great right back and had good season behind him so i think he deserved to be caled in squad. Also i think call up of Pedro is a Mistake , Pedro didnt have the best season behind him and his club was also...
A lot of suprises in Spain squad for Euro 2016 , i think a huge mistake that Del Bosque didnt call up Bellerin he is great right back and had good season behind him so i think he deserved to be caled in squad. Also i think call up of Pedro is a Mistake , Pedro didnt have the best season behind him and his club was also undearchivment this year. Paco Alcacer deserved to be called in squad he had great season in valencia this season and was in great form for Spain where he scored 6 goals in 13 games.
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