article_snippet: Valencia could easily have had striker Paco Alcacer, midfielder Dani Parejo and defender Jose Gaya in the squad.
article_snippet: Likewise Spain Premier League contingent could point to Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueta and West Ham goalkeeper Adrian as unlucky absentees.
article_snippet: The strength of a squad can always be judged by the quality of players that don’t make it and the controversy about this squad selection shows just how Spain’s options should make Spain’s options optimistic ahead of France 2016.
article_snippet: The hangover from Spain’s options dismal group exit at the last World Cup still hangs over the team but Vicente del Bosque has been at pains to remind everyone this week that Spain’s options remain European Champions and go to France next year to defend Spain’s options title.
article_snippet: All four are in the final stages of the Champions League – something that is true of the entire expected XI.
article_snippet: In the expected XI only Koke, Mario Suarez and Juanfran have not already won the European Cup.
article_snippet: And the strength in depth is evident with Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Santi Cazorla all pushing for a starting berth too.
article_snippet: Add to these names, those of the injured Diego Costa, and long term absentees Victor Valdes, Javi Martinez and Thiago, who will return as soon as those of the injured Diego Costa start playing for those of the injured Diego Costa clubs again and the squad still looks stronger than any other in Europe with the possible exception of the World Champions Germany
article_snippet: If there is a problem there is a problem may be the lack of a prolific scorer in Costa’s absence – with 13 goals Manchester City’s Silva is this group’s top scorer but 13 goals Manchester City’s Silva can come from anywhere including the back four, and there is even talk of Del Bosque eventually recalling David Villa so even talk of Del Bosque eventually recalling David Villa
highlights_snippet: Squad options suggest that Spain will be contenders in France next year .
  