World Cup Update: Astonishing pool of talent means many stars are overlooked in Spain's final 23 man squad!

Following consecutive victories in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 & Euro 2012, many commentators are suggesting if Spain manage to become the first European team to successfully defend their title (since Italy in 1938) & win the World Cup in South America, they will probably go down as the best football team of all time surpassing the golden generation of Brazil from 1958 to 1970.

And whilst the affable Vicente del Bosque is at pains to reduce the pressure on his squad by avoiding any such speculation, he does have an enviable task with the seemingly never-ending talent pool at his disposal!

Spain's final 23 man squad was announced as follows:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

What is astonishing in this list is the number of starts who missed out on the final 23 due to injuries, not enough playing time or for tactical reasons, just to name a few ( and the clubs they play for)

Isco, Carvajal, Illaramendi & Arveloa (Real Madrid), Negrado & Navas (Manchester City) Llorente (Juventus) Thiago Alcantara (injured, Bayern Munich), Valdez (injured, Barcelona) & Soldado (Spurs)

With the unbelievable talent at his disposal, del Bosque is under pressure to repeat the success of the 2010 World Cup. The only concern is he has decided to stick with Torres & Villa based on their successful international track record for Spain rather than last season's form, and the fact that he has gambled on the fitness of Diego Costa, who lasted a mere 9 minutes in the Champions League final before he had to be substituted. So, if Villa & Torres misfire as they frequently have at club level, & Costa's fitness plays up, del Bosque & Spain may be in trouble for ignoring the likes of Llorente & Negrado.