By Chris Wright
Spain coach Vincente del Bosque has announced his provisional 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.
There are a few surprise call-ups, notably for Barcelona starlet Pedro and Atletico Madrid’s 19-year-old ‘keeper David de Gea, who are both in with a chance of earning their first full international caps for La Furia Roja in South Africa this summer.
The highly-rated trio of Victor Valdes, Cesar Azpilicueta and Javi Martinez are the three other as-yet uncapped players to make the squad.
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The list in full…
Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), David de Gea (Atletico Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villarreal).
Defenders: Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique (Barcelona) Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Marcos Senna, Santi Cazorla (Villareal) David Silva, Juan Mata (Valencia), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jesus Navas (Sevilla).
Forwards: Pedro (Barcelona), Dani Guiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), David Villa (Valencia).
Pretty intimidating ain’t it? I’m particularly delighted to see call-ups for Pedro and Victor Valdes, who have been in superb form for Barca this season.