Friday, February 24, 2012

Fernando Torres left out of Spain squad for Venezuela friendly

The former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool frontman has been in disappointing form at Stamford Bridge and it has now cost him a place in the national team set-up

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been dropped by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for Wednesday's friendly against Venezuela at La Rosaleda.

The 27-year-old has been unable to hit top form since joining Chelsea from Liverpol in January 2011 in a reported €58.5 million deal.

He scored two goals during Spain's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, and Del Bosque explained that the former Atletico man needs to improve his game.

"This is a break for him, no doubt, but it should serve as encouragement," Del Bosque told reporters at a press conference. "Players should not get relaxed. This is not a final list for Euro 2012."

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol and Barcelona attacker Pedro are also among the names to miss out on the latest Spain call-up as preparations begin for the final squad list ahead of the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Barca dominate the list with eight players, followed by Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, who each have four men in the squad.

Spain have been drawn with Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia in the Euro 2012 group stage.

The squad in full:

NameClub
Goalkeepers:
Iker CasillasReal Madrid
Victor ValdesBarcelona
Pepe ReinaLiverpool
Defenders:
Alvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid
Sergio RamosReal Madrid
Carles PuyolBarcelona
Gerard PiqueBarcelona
Andoni IraolaAthletic Bilbao
Javi MartinezAthletic Bilbao
Jordi AlbaValencia
Midfielders:
XaviBarcelona
Andres IniestaBarcelona
Cesc FabregasBarcelona
Sergio BusquetsBarcelona
Thiago AlcantaraBarcelona
Xabi AlonsoReal Madrid
David SilvaManchester City
Santiago CazorlaMalaga
Jesus NavasSevilla
Juan MataChelsea
Attackers:
Iker MuniainAthletic Bilbao
Roberto SoldadoValencia
Fernando LlorenteAthletic Bilbao
Alvaro NegredoSevilla

























 

No comments:

Post a Comment