Spain manager says he's considering David Villa recall

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David Villa has had a great season for New York City FC, and he's one of the leading candidates for MVP. Recently, Spain manager Julen Lopetegui got to watch him in person, and he was impressed. Villa might even earn himself a Spain recall.

"I went to New York with my wife, I took advantage and watched Villa play. The truth is that I saw him very well and playing with a lot of intensity ... "Villa continues to play at a very good level and in the future we will see if he can return. We don't close the door to any player and we always have consideration for players that can help the national team. Villa is well, playing with a lot of rhythm, scoring lots of goals and showing a great attitude."

Since Villa stepped away from the national team, Spain has struggled to find the right replacement. Alvaro Morata has played well, but Diego Costa has never fit in, while Paco Alcacer is riding Barcelona's bench and struggling in the limited game time he gets. It wouldn't be too shocking to see Villa play more competitive matches for La Furia Roja.

Goal of the day

Nacho's strike for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. (r/soccer)

In the news

Jose Mourinho has been charged by the FA for comments about officiating. (BBC)

Here's the EFL Cup quarterfinal draw. (Telegraph)

This Wayne Rooney to Inter rumor is funny. (Football Italia)

Didier Drogba isn't traveling to D.C. with the Impact. (ESPN FC)

The Scottish FA chief has come out in support of the North Atlantic league and other ideas like it. (Guardian)

Here's an excellent piece of trolling about Madrid's backup forward line being better than the BBC. (Sport)

West Ham and London police are investigating homophobic flyers passed out at Wednesday night's cup game. (Mirror)

You should be reading

Mohamed Mohamed on how Ligue 1 is shaping up so far. (Stats Bomb)

Franco Ficetola on Salernitana's dark season in Serie A and its awful finale. (The Gentlemen Ultra)

Richard Foster on the St. Pauli fans in Yorkshire helping refugees. (Guardian)

What happened on Wednesday

Manchester City lost again but Pep Guardiola is pretty chill.

Toronto FC won their first-ever playoff game.

LA Galaxy won thanks to some great goals by Emmanuel Boateng.

What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)

MLS Playoffs: Two games (from 7:30 p.m.) — We're expecting these 4-5 seed matchups to be a lot better than the 3-6 games on Wednesday.