Vicente del Bosque has explained why Jose Callejon has made his latest Spain squad and why Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente have not.
Napoli’s winger and current Serie A leading scorer is in line for a first senior cap with La Roja after being named in today’s squad for this month’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Belarus and friendly with Germany.
Vicente del Bosque has explained why Jose Callejon has made his latest Spain squad and why Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente have not.
Napoli’s winger and current Serie A leading scorer is in line for a first senior cap with La Roja after being named in today’s squad for this month’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Belarus and friendly with Germany.
For his national team Coach, Callejon offers something potentially important, that he also sees in Celta Vigo’s Nolito.
"If we have trouble opening up the Belarus defence, we will need skilled people across the pitch to open it up,” Del Bosque explained in today’s conference.
“They [Callejon and Nolito] have goals and we want to take advantage of this form and also increased the number of people called-up to our squad.”
Del Bosque faced as many questions on who was absent from the team and, whilst explaining why Diego Costa isn’t present, also commented on Milan’s Torres and Juventus’ Llorente.
“I really haven’t discarded anyone. I don’t rule anyone out Torres or Llorente or anyone, unless it is Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso, who ended their careers with the team.
“The other cases are all potential players for the Spain team.
“We need players who are confident in front of goal.”
Del Bosque also offered his backing to under-scrutiny Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.