
David Villa earns shock Spain call-up, RVP back for Netherlands
Veteran striker has been called up for International duty, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie has been named in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria.
Spain's record goalscorer David Villa has been handed a shock recall for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Liechtenstein at the age of 35.
Villa has scored 19 goals in MLS for New York City FC this season and joins a Spain side currently leading Italy in Group G on goal difference, with four games remaining.
And head coach Julen Lopetegui is happy to welcome back Villa, believing the veteran forward
"I understood that it was necessary to bring back Villa," he said. "We believe that he can help us. "He gives us mobility and he is very eager. We trust him."
Concluye la rueda de prensa de @julenlopetegui ¡Aquí tienes los convocados! Tienes toda la información en https://t.co/bOzaKKwQtR #SEFlive pic.twitter.com/GSJkoFBosl
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) August 25, 2017
The Spain squad in full:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Nacho (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (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 Rodriguez (Chelsea), David Villa (New York City).
Another veteran striker was called up for International duty, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie has been called for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria.
The Fenerbahce forward last played for his country in October 2015, but - with Dick Advocaat's side at risk of missing out on the finals - he has been recalled for a key doubleheader, making the final cut after being included in a preliminary selection.
OFFICIEEL!️ ?
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 25, 2017
Dit is de definitieve selectie voor de WK-kwalificatiewedstrijden #FRANED en #NEDBUL: https://t.co/lnZkOJZpdS pic.twitter.com/1fwvETfuI7
The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona), Maarten Stekelenburg (Everton), Jeroen Zoet (PSV).
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Wesley Hoedt (Southampton), Mattijs de Ligt (Ajax), Karim Rekik (Hertha BSC), Kenny Tete (Lyon), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio).
Midfielders: Donny van de Beek (Ajax), Marco van Ginkel (PSV), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Davy Propper (Brighton and Hove Albion), Wesley Sneijder (Nice), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool).
Forwards: Memphis Depay (Lyon), Bas Dost (Sporting CP), Vincent Janssen (Tottenham), Robin van Persie (Fenerbahce), Quincy Promes (Quincy Promes), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).