Basque players in international games

Iribar · May 11th, 2010, 22:32

César Azpilikueta, Javi Martínez, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Llorente are in Vicente Del Bosque's 30 players pre-list.

Andoni Iraola, Natxo Monreal and Mikel Arteta haven't made it in the end. Same calmed summer for Stéphane Ruffier, he is not in Domenech's pre-list.

Arrieta · May 12th, 2010, 00:03

...and Aguirre as Mexico manager don't forget.

Iribar · May 20th, 2010, 14:05

Javi Martínez, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Llorente are in Del Bosque's final 23 players list for the World Cup. Azpilikueta out.

Julken · May 20th, 2010, 17:49

Well deserved for our two lions!

Arrieta · May 20th, 2010, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronaldwho?

Has Arteta ever played for the Nats.?

Nope, and there has been (very optimistic) calls for him to be called up for England. It wont happen but he would do well for England, can play on the left and more creative than any of our current players (possibly Joe Cole aside).

Interesting that the two 'foreign' players being linked with England are both Basques (Almunia being the other one).

Anyway, pleasantly surprised about Javimar's inclusion, can't see him getting a game though with Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi and Fabregas ahead of him. He should play in some of the friendlies though hopefully.

Arrieta · May 20th, 2010, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronaldwho?

Yeah. I think you can call them both up for England on FM, now I think about it. Almunia definitely.

Can you? Haven't got the latest version but would be surprised if true as I don't think either can be called up for England.

The home nations have this gentleman's agreement that basically prevents players being called up through residency. It has been adjusted recently but would still prevent Arteta/Almunia being called up. I don't think it would happen anyway though.

I'm not keen on foreign players playing in a national team. If they've lived there since a young age then maybe, but after just a few years?

Gure Ametsa · May 21st, 2010, 04:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronaldwho?

Yeah. I think you can call them both up for England on FM, now I think about it. Almunia definitely.

I'm not much for foreigners in our National team, if I'm honest. No offence.

Speaking only for myself here - No offense taken. I completely understand what you mean. It is many Basque people's dream that one day there would be a team from Euskadi, with Basque players represented in the World Cup. I feel confident that a team of our best could qualify right now...

... but this will continue to be "just a dream"...

Knoert · May 29th, 2010, 19:59

Llorente scored

an injury time winner for Spain

versus Saudi Arabia, Spain won 3-2.

Arrieta · May 29th, 2010, 21:09

Excellent

That's what, 3 goals for Spain now?

And set up by Xabi, a goal made in Euskadi

. Also Javimar made his debut.

He wont start for them but is a useful option to bring on, offers something different to their other strikers.

Arrieta · May 31st, 2010, 00:37

Not world cup I know, but Jonás was captain in Spain's loss to England in the U17 European championship final.

knowwonnose · June 3rd, 2010, 19:48

Any word on how JaviMar and Llorente performed in the WC warm up against South Korea?

Knoert · June 3rd, 2010, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

Any word on how JaviMar and Llorente performed in the WC warm up against South Korea?

Both came on as a subtitute, Llorente entered for Villa in de 57th minute, JaviMar for Silva in the 79th minute.

Haven't seen pictures so don't know any more details...

Madridi19 · June 3rd, 2010, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knoert

Both came on as a subtitute, Llorente entered for Villa in de 57th minute, JaviMar for Silva in the 79th minute.

Haven't seen pictures so don't know any more details...

Opposite actually.
Javi and Llorente started and were subbed off for Silva and Villa.
Javi had a good opportunity to score, that's all I could remember.

Knoert · June 3rd, 2010, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madridi19

Opposite actually.
Javi and Llorente started and were subbed off for Silva and Villa.
Javi had a good opportunity to score, that's all I could remember.

Oops you're right of course

Julken · June 16th, 2010, 17:05

Neither Llorente or Javi Martinez played in Spains 0-1 surprising defeat agianst Switzerland. Although I thought Llorente would have a chance when Spain were trying to catch up, but Del Bosque entered Pedro instead.

Knoert · June 16th, 2010, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julken

Although I thought Llorente would have a chance when Spain were trying to catch up, but Del Bosque entered Pedro instead.

Same here, but who cares?

Arrieta · June 16th, 2010, 22:45

Of course, had Llorente been brought on....

Gure Ametsa · June 18th, 2010, 01:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrieta

Of course, had Llorente been brought on....

...with JaviMar setting him up...

Iribar · June 19th, 2010, 14:17

I do think that Llorente has almost impossible to play unless both Villa and Torres are injured/suspended but in my opinion Javi Martínez pees in the face of Sergio Busquets.

Arrieta · June 19th, 2010, 14:57

As someone from the outside it appears almost as if the the first team/certain players are untouchable. Torres came on when he isn't completely fit and Llorente would have made an impact even if it means taking Villa off.

I can understand Busquets being chosen ahead of Javimar as he's a more defensive player but do you really need two of them in midfield? Also Javi would have brought more urgency late on when they needed a goal.

But hey, that's just my views. England are in a much worse state at the moment, I would take the whole Athletic squad (or even the reserves!) over England's right now.