Spain's JV Squad

Feeling bad for the large number of quality players I didn't include in my Spanish World Cup squad, I decided to make a back-up 23. This squad would still be competitive in this summer's tournament.

Keepers:

Diego López

 Andrés Fernández

Vicente Guaita

Defenders: 

Marc Bartra 

Raúl Albiol

Juanfran

Cesar Azpilicueta

Daniel Carvajal

Iñigo Martínez

Midfielders:

Santi Cazorla

Isco

Thiago Alcantara

Koke 

Javi Garcia

Mikel Arteta 

Gabi

Beñat Etxebarria

Asier Illarramendi

Forwards:

Fernando Torres

Fernando Llorente

Cristian Tello

Rubén Castro

Bojan

An Awkward World Cup Ahead for Diego Costa

Diego da Silva Costa will be experiencing a World Cup in his mother nation but with a foreign team. Born in Lagarto, Brazil to Brazilian parents and grandparents, Costa moved away from Brazil at age 18 to play for Portuguese side, Braga. One year later, Costa signed with his current squad, Atlético Madrid. Flash-forward six years to September 2013, Atlético Madrid helped Diego obtain Spanish citizenship.

A new kid in red

This fulfills one of FIFA's requirements for national team eligibility: "He has lived continuously for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant Association." So, because Costa has lived in Spain for the last six years, has acquired Spanish citizenship, and has never been selected by the Brazilian national squad for a competitive match, he is allowed to play with La Roja.

Costa was featured on the Brazilian team in two friendlies

Diego might need to borrow Cesc Fàbregas' Beats headphones this summer because boos and whistles will surely follow him everywhere he goes in Brazil. Whether on the ball or on the bench, the Brazilian fans will treat Costa like nothing less than Judas. Brazil's head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has said, “He’s turning his back on something millions dream of doing: playing for the five-time world champions at a World Cup in Brazil.”

An invisible asterisk

The most unfortunate thing for Diego Costa is that some will undermine any contribution he has for Spain. If Diego Costa helps La Roja win this World Cup, there would always be those who saw an asterisk on the star over the crest. Faced with a very unique decision, Costa has taken a gamble with the reining world champions. Let's hope it pays off how he imagined.

Predicting Spain's World Cup Squad

With such a talented group of players to choose from, Vicente del Bosque will have a difficult time choosing which 23 he brings with him to Brazil this summer. Here are selections.

Keepers:

Iker Casillas

 Pepe Reina

David de Gea

Defenders:

 Gerard Piqué

Sergio Ramos

Jordi Alba

Álvaro Arbeloa

Nacho Monreal

 Carles Puyol

Midfielders:

Andrés Iniesta

Xabi Alonso

Xavi Hernández

David Silva

Sergio Busquets

Juan Mata

Cesc Fàbregas

 Jesús Navas

Javi Martínez

Forwards:

Diego Costa

Pedro Rodríguez

 Roberto Soldado

 David Villa

Álvaro Negredo

The Dawning of the Chelsea Empire

Despite recently facing loses to both Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain, the next 10 years will likely see Chelsea dominate English soccer. After years of momentum continuing to build at Stamford Bridge, the pendulum appears ready to swing in their favor. 

The Special One

The Special One has returned and although he will most likely view this season as a grand failure, he has a the great opportunity to bring many trophies to The Blues. Whether its traces from his initial time with the club or just chance, José has a team of players well suited for his counterattacking style of play. Mourinho has never inherited a foundation of players whose styles synergize so well in his system. With players feeling comfortable with his vision, Mou can utilize them in ways that wins trophies.

The young and talented Blues of West London 

Chelsea's defense has looked rather impressive this season, allowing the EPL's fewest goals against. Pair that with a midfield made up of players like Hazard, Oscar, and Willian, Chelsea have a skilled group capable of getting winning results in years to come. And not only is the team talented, it also has a very deep bench. With 27 young players out on loan, Chelsea is developing a side that has the quality support essential to today's multi-league teams.

Not cutting it

However, there is a chink in The Blue's amour. A group of underperforming forwards. Chelsa's key forwards Torres, Eto'o, and Ba have been underwhelming this season, only scoring 17 league goals between the three of them. But with Mourinho's not so subtle criticism of his forwards and the lucrative sale of Juan Mata, Chelsea will almost certainly sign a world class striker this summer and the final missing piece of José's puzzle can be put into place.