Young midfielders join Spain squad to play Ecuador
Real Sociedad playmaker Xabi Alonso and Atletico Madrid's goalscoring midfielder Luis Garcia have both been called up to the Spanish squad to take on Ecuador in a friendly international in Madrid on April 30.
Real Sociedad playmaker Xabi Alonso and Atletico Madrid's goalscoring midfielder Luis Garcia have both been called up to the Spanish squad to take on Ecuador in a friendly international in Madrid on April 30.
Alonso, 21, has been at the heart of Real Sociedad's unexpected title challenge this season and has long been tipped for promotion from the Under-21s.
Garcia has scored nine goals so far this season for Atletico Madrid from the left side of midfield.
The 22-year-old's reward will be a full international debut in front of his home fans, with Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium hosting Wednesday's game.
Spain coach Inaki Saez also included Atletico striker Jose Mari in his squad, along with Guti and Fernando Morientes of Real Madrid.
Raul, Spain's leading international goalscorer, is ruled out after undergoing an appendix operation this week.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia).
Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Raul Bravo (Leeds United), Ivan Helguera (Real Madrid), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Agustin Aranzabal (Real Sociedad), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Joseba Etxeberria (Athletic Bilbao), Luis Garcia (Atletico Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Real Betis), Juan Carlos Valeron (Deportivo Coruna), Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad), David Albelda (Valencia), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Vicente (Valencia).
Forwards: Jose Mari (Atletico Madrid), Guti (Real Madrid), Fernando Morientes (Real Madrid).