David Villa Earns Shock Spanish National Team Recall

New York City FC striker David Villa has earned a recall to the Spanish national team for crunch World Cup qualifiers against Italy (Sept. 2) and Liechtenstein (Sept. 5). Villa last played for La Furia Roja at the 2014 World Cup, but he retired after the nation’s group stage exit.

Diego Costa led the line (not well) for Spain at that tournament, and he’s been Spain’s top scorer in qualifying this time around. However, Costa hasn’t been training or playing due to his ongoing dispute with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Costa has been omitted from the squad, and the NYCFC forward has been given a remarkable opportunity to build on his 97 caps and 59 international goals.

Goals like this explain why a 35-year old David Villa has been recalled to the Spanish national team #NYCFCpic.twitter.com/5t6FRgLRtI

— InTheCore (@InTheCore1) August 25, 2017

Villa won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 European Championship with Spain, and he’s been playing in MLS for the past three years after leaving Atletico Madrid. Villa was named the 2016 MLS MVP, and he’s been even more impressive in 2017, scoring 19 goals and registering eight assists in 24 matches.

“We always said that we would not close the door to anyone,” said Spain coach Julen Lopetegui. “We felt we needed him now and we think he will help us. He is having magnificent performances with his team and he is very motivated. It’s true that he comes from a different league [MLS] but that is the way it is. I have spoken to David and we have seen him play.

“As always, Villa brings determination, ambition and experience. We are confident he can help us.”

OFICIAL | Lista de la @SeFutbol para los partidos ante @Vivo_Azzurro y Liechtenstein / Spain's call up #SEFlive pic.twitter.com/BjlGCWqyM5

— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) August 25, 2017

Other notable selections include AC Milan’s 23-year-old winger Suso, who could be in line for his first senior cap after representing Spain extensively at the youth level. There’s also room Gerard “Neymar 2.0” Deulofeu, the savage Marco Asensio and Isco, who I believe to be the best footballer on the planet.