Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan picks out the key men in Vincente del Bosque’s provisional squad and assesses their chances in Brazil as they look to retain the World Cup.

SPAIN

Who’s in (30-man provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Man Utd), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Man Utd), Jesus Navas (Manchester City), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)

Forwards: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

Who misses out?

The biggest name not included was 56-cap Alvaro Arbeloa, a squad member at World Cup 2010, and a regular starter at Euro 2012. Arbeloa has been injured lately but more important there have been personality clashes with Madrid team-mate and international captain Casillas and Atletico Madrid’s new Spaniard Costa.

Biggest selection headline

The reaction to the preliminary squad was pretty low-key, with the biggest decisions left for the final cut down to 23. David Villa, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente are among those now anxiously wondering if they’re going to make Brazil.

Surprise package

Carvajal has taken Arbeloa’s place as first choice right-back at Madrid over recent months, and now has his Spain spot too. Carvajal, 22, is technically excellent and loves to bomb down the wing, and completely snuffed out Bayern’s Frank Ribery in their recent Champions League clashes.

Danger man

Costa has only one cap (for Spain) but Del Bosque’s been attracted by his 36 goals for Atletico Madrid this season, and a barnstorming physical style which offers something different to Spain’s usual patient approach.

The architect

Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara looked set to emerge as Spain’s new midfield leader, but a knee injury has ended that hope.

This means Atletico Madrid’s clever Koke will be the youthful option in midfield to 30-somethings Xavi and Xabi. Del Bosque is a confirmed admirer of the 22-year-old, whose seemingly telepathic understanding with Costa [the pair have combined for 14 goals in two seasons] could turn out more than useful too.

The hatchet man

Ramos might get the headlines for his regular red cards for Real Madrid, but Busquets is Spain’s real enforcer on the pitch. Busquets is more likely to get booked for a tactical foul than sent off for losing his composure, but he’s always quick to jump in to stand up for Xavi, Iniesta etc.

The verdict: Does this squad have what it takes to go all the way?

The possibility that Mata or Llorente might be left out shows Spain’s still enviable strength in depth. The main concern now is exhaustion – with Barcelona, Atletico and Madrid all having stalled towards the end of long club seasons. Getting his main men fresh for the huge group opener against Holland on June 13 looks the priority now for Del Bosque.

—Daily Mail