Johan Cruyff Unveils Killer Squad For Nigeria Friendly
Published: December 21, 2012Netherlands legend and Catalonia National Team coach Johan Cruyff has unveiled his list of nominated players for the eagerly anticipated exhibition match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on January 2.
An analysis of the roster released by Cruyff revealed that 10 Barcelona players were called up for the tie at the at Cornella-El Prat Stadium, the home ground of Espanyol.
7 players are from La Liga side Espanyol while Rayo Vallecano contributed 2 players. Red Bull Salzburg, Getafe and AC Milan have one player each in the team which was unveiled on Thursday in a ceremony attended by the President of the Catalonia Federation, Andreu Subies.
The friendly against the Super Eagles is Cruyff's last game in charge of Catalonia, and he said that the best players have been chosen, leaving out players from the second division, because it is an important game and the opponents are preparing for the African Cup of Nations.
''For me it was a personal obligation. 40 years ago I was well received and have been here as a player and coach. I have fulfilled my obligations that I targeted,'' the former Ajax player told mundodeportivo.com.
Catalonia Squad to face Nigeria
Goalkeepers : Victor Valdes (Barcelona) and Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
Defenders: Martin Montoya, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba (all Barcelona), Raul Rodriguez, Joan Capdevila (Espanyol) and Jordi Amat (Rayo Vallecano)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Sergi Roberto, and Cristian Tello (all Barcelona), Victor Sanchez, Joan Verdú and Sergio Tejera (Espanyol)
Strikers: Alvaro Vazquez (Getafe), Jonathan Soriano (Red Bull Salzburg), Piti (Rayo Vallecano), Sergio Garcia(Espanyol) and Bojan Krkic (Milan).
Photo Credit: FC Barcelona
An analysis of the roster released by Cruyff revealed that 10 Barcelona players were called up for the tie at the at Cornella-El Prat Stadium, the home ground of Espanyol.
7 players are from La Liga side Espanyol while Rayo Vallecano contributed 2 players. Red Bull Salzburg, Getafe and AC Milan have one player each in the team which was unveiled on Thursday in a ceremony attended by the President of the Catalonia Federation, Andreu Subies.
The friendly against the Super Eagles is Cruyff's last game in charge of Catalonia, and he said that the best players have been chosen, leaving out players from the second division, because it is an important game and the opponents are preparing for the African Cup of Nations.
''For me it was a personal obligation. 40 years ago I was well received and have been here as a player and coach. I have fulfilled my obligations that I targeted,'' the former Ajax player told mundodeportivo.com.
Catalonia Squad to face Nigeria
Goalkeepers : Victor Valdes (Barcelona) and Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
Defenders: Martin Montoya, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba (all Barcelona), Raul Rodriguez, Joan Capdevila (Espanyol) and Jordi Amat (Rayo Vallecano)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Sergi Roberto, and Cristian Tello (all Barcelona), Victor Sanchez, Joan Verdú and Sergio Tejera (Espanyol)
Strikers: Alvaro Vazquez (Getafe), Jonathan Soriano (Red Bull Salzburg), Piti (Rayo Vallecano), Sergio Garcia(Espanyol) and Bojan Krkic (Milan).
Photo Credit: FC Barcelona
Latest News
- Transfer guru confirms Malmo on brink of deal for son of former Super Eagles midfielder
- Osayi-Samuel offered ₦9.6b to extend Fenerbahce stay amid Crystal Palace links
- 'It's a known fact' - Mikel makes jaw-dropping prediction about the future of Arsenal manager Arteta
- Five key reasons Osimhen might choose Galatasaray stay despite links with PL giants Man Utd
- Chelsea loanee Ugochukwu walking the walk: Southampton midfielder ranked PL top tackler for GW20
- Rangers boss put off by the idea of signing 37yo Man Utd CB, citing Leon Balogun as key factor
- Osimhen recommends teenage Nigerian to Galatasaray, pundit challenges Romano on striker's future
- Super Falcons goalkeeper announces retirement from football at the age of 35
- Awoniyi v Chris Wood: Liverpool icon Michael Owen reckons Forest boss is facing a selection dilemma
- Aina's cross hitting Ait-Nouri's arm: Michael Owen, O'Neill clash over Nottingham Forest's penalty claim
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football