David Villa earns Spain recall after 3-year absence
The Spanish national team announced Friday its 26-man roster for a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Italy and Liechtenstein, and while the usual suspects are all on the list, one familiar face also earned a surprise recall after a three-year absence: David Villa.
The New York City FC captain and star striker has enjoyed three incredible MLS seasons, being named league MVP last season while currently leading the Golden Boot race with 19 goals in 2017. That form, coupled with Diego Costa's self-imposed protest exile from Chelsea training, opened a spot up top in Spain's ranks for Villa to slot back into.
"We believe that calling up Villa is necessary and appropriate," Spain boss Julen Lopetegui said, as quoted by The Guardian. "He'll give us extra mobility up front and above all he'll contribute his enthusiasm. We hope and believe he will help us."
The man known as "El Guaje" played a key role in Spain's successes at the turn of the decade and remains La Furia Roja's all-time scorer but hasn't played with the national team since his international retirement in 2014.
His last international appearance and 59th goal came against Australia in a 3-0 win June 23, 2014 to round out Spain's poor performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup group stage.
Some new faces include Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and AC Milan attacker Suso. Spain takes on Italy on Sept. 2 in a match that should serve to decide Group G, before taking on Liechtenstein three days later.
The full squad, below:
Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa (Athletic Bilbao)
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Suso (AC Milan), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona), Vitolo (Las Palmas), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Pedro (Chelsea), David Villa (NYCFC)