PREVIEW: Youngsters called up as Spain seek to end year on a high

By Duncan Shaw Nov 17, 2008, 9:45 GMT

Villarreal, Spain - Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has won applause by calling up young strikers Fernando Llorente and Juan Mata for Wednesday's friendly against Chile.

Llorente, 23, is the tall and angular centre-forward for struggling Athletic Bilbao, strong in the air though not a natural goalscorer.

Mata, 20, in contrast, is small and unimposing, but has good movement and a lethal left foot.

His goals helped Valencia win the King's Cup last season, and he started this season like a house on fire.

'They are both interesting prospects and they deserve to have a chance for the national team,' said Del Bosque, when he announced his squad in Madrid on Friday.

Del Bosque has dropped Andoni Iraola and Fernando Navarro. Andres Iniesta and Diego Capel are both injured.

Fernando Torres returns after injury, together with Liverpool team-mates Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera.

Del Bosque is determined to bring 2008 to a close on a high note, maintaining his 100 per cent record since taking over from Euro 2008 hero Luis Aragones in July.

'It has been a good year for the national team,' said Del Bosque on Friday.

'We want to finish the year with another victory, and by playing well.'

The friendly will be staged in Villarreal's little Estadio Madrigal.

Chile will arrive in good heart, after their recent World Cup qualifying victory over Argentina.

National manager Marcelo Bielsa said on Sunday that 'both Chile and Spain are in good form right now.'

One player with a point to prove will be Matias Fernandez of Villarreal, who will probably start the game for Chile.

Fernandez has played more for Chile than for Villarreal in recent months. He will be keen to use Wednesday's game to show Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini - a fellow Chilean - that he is still a dangerous forward - and that he should be given more opportunities in the Spanish Liga.