Getafe midfielder Ruben de la Red was given his first call-up for Spain when he was named in a 22-man squad for this week's friendly against world champions Italy in Elche.

The 22-year-old, who joined Getafe from Real Madrid at the start of the season, has played an instrumental role in the modest Madrid-based side's progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the final of the King's Cup.

"He is getting better as a player, he's playing well and can also play in two positions in midfield so we want to see a bit more of him," Spain coach Luis Aragones said.

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa was given another chance to win his first cap after missing last month's game against France because of injury.

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