Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has announced his preliminary 25 man squad for the Euros to be held in France this year. Their squad contains a good mix of youth and experience with many players having had wonderful seasons for their respective clubs. However, it also has some surprising inclusions and omissions.
Iker Casillas has not had the best of seasons at Porto, but he is one of the three goalkeepers travelling to France along with Manchester United’s David De Gea and Sevilla shot-stopper Sergio Rico. In defence, there are no major surprises with usual suspects Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Juanfran, Daniel Carvajal and Jordi Alba making the cut.
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Spain’s midfield has always been packed with talent and it is no different this time with the likes of Busquets, Thiago, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas running the show. Andres Iniesta is the only member surviving from the stunning trio of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and himself, and Del Bosque will be hoping that Iniesta reproduces his best form at the Euros.
There is no space for Manchester United’s Juan Mata who has struggled for form in the Premier League this season. The most surprising picks have come in the forwards line-up. In form Fernando Torres finds no space in the squad and Chelsea striker Diego Costa also misses out due to form and fitness issues.
Aduritz has been rewarded for his prolific season and he is joined by Nolito, Morata and Real Madrid’s young forward Lucas Vasquez. Atletico Madrid’s impressive youngster Saul Niguez also finds a place in the team.
Two players from this provisional 25 man squad will be left out when the final 23 man squad is selected by Del Bosque in two weeks time. The team is predictably dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona superstars.
Here is the 25 man squad in full:
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico
Defenders
Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Daniel Carvajal, Jordi Alba, Marc Batra, Cesar Azpilicueta, Mikel San Jose, Juanfran
Midfielders
Bruno Soriano, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, Isco, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas
Forwards
Pedro Rodriguez, Saul Niguez, Aritz Aduritz, Nolito, Alvaro Morata, Lucas Vasquez
