Spain announced their final 23-man squad list for Euro 2016 which kicks off on the 10th of June. The biggest news to be confirmed was the replacement of Dani Carvajal who was injured against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin who has impressed massively this season was that replacement. The pacey full-back was even selected in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year. There were no surprises for the rest of the backline as the usual suspects made the grade.
“We have tried to select a balanced squad and I think every position is well covered in this 23,” Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said.
“I’ve not spoken personally to any of the players who’ve been left behind. Everyone wanted to be here, but we only had 23 spots.”
In midfield, Andres Iniesta was an obvious choice with Sergio Busquets who is arguably one of the best midfield generals in the world and former Barcelona man Cesc Fabregas also making the cut.
Bruno Soriano was one of the unfamiliar names on the sheet after a stellar season with Villarreal. The Yellow Submarines managed to finish in the Champions League places, while playing great attacking football throughout the season.
David De Gea might be Del Bosque’s preferred No.1 but one can never rule out Iker Casillas claiming that spot. Sergio Rico of Sevilla who was outstanding will most likely be his third choice of goalkeeper.
Del Bosque decided to take Alvaro Morata of Juventus, Pedro Rodriguez of Chelsea and most notably Nolito from Celta Vigo who was even linked with a move to Barcelona last campaign. Diego Costa and Fernando Torres were the biggest omissions from the squad.
The two strikers were not included Del Bosque’s initial provisional team either. The Brazil-born striker was a disaster in the 2014 World Cup and did not have the best of seasons with Chelsea.
Del Bosque explained the Torres’ situation when he named the provisional squad, saying: “I am sure that he has great memories of all of the trophies he has won with the national team. His participation has been fantastic and we hold him in very high esteem.”
Spain squad for Euro 2016
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Man United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Bilbao), Héctor Bellerín (Arsenal), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fábregas (both Chelsea), Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Álvaro Morata (Juventus).
