Could Guti really make the Spanish World Cup squad?

I have been hearing very strange rumours coming from the Spanish press that Jose Maria Gutierrez Hernandez (Guti) could be making a late dash for the Spanish World Cup squad. Are they really crazy?

Temperamental

To say Guti is temperamental is an understatement. He seems absolutely crazy to me. He has had rows with everybody in the Real Madrid camp.

He has had arguments with presidents, directors, teammates, coaches and fans. I even heard that the tea lady was preparing for a bout with him as we speak.

I just can’t see how Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque could select the veteran midfielder ahead of the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas. These players all have better temperaments and can probably produce the same sort of quality Guti can.

He certainly has some serious rivals for a space in that Spanish side. I can’t see him as a starter but he could make the 23 man squad. Del Bosque wouldn’t risk the good atmosphere in the national team camp by selecting Guti, surely?

Ability

I don’t think anybody has ever questioned Guti’s quality it’s just his attitude that has stopped him becoming a star on the world stage. Some of his current Real Madrid teammates say he is one of the best players in their squad.

That’s a big compliment in a squad containing Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, but he doesn’t show his ability consistently enough. I have heard Spanish football experts comment that’s he not reliable enough to build a team around and I think he’s proved that in his 15 years at Los Blancos. The fact that he has been in that Real Madrid squad so long says that he is a quality player.

Successful

Just like compatriots Raul and Iker Casillas, Guti has been at Real Madrid his whole career. During that career he has won every piece of silverware available. He’s been in and out of the Real squad in recent years but has still played a part in that success.

International

His international career consists of just 15 appearances for his national side. I believe his attitude has contributed to his lack of caps at international level. Spanish bosses of the past have seen him as a loose cannon. For a player of his alleged quality that’s a measly amount of international experience. He hasn’t played for his country for five years, so a call-up now would be a surprise.

Difficulties

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka arriving last summer Guti looked set to move on to pastures new. He was linked with Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid and Premier League side Tottenham. However he decided to stay at the Bernabeu and fight for his place.

However after Real’s shock 4-0 defeat to lowly Alcorcon in the Copa Del Rey, Guti insulted his boss Manuel Pellegrini and the former Villarreal boss decided to suspend the volatile star. However since coming back from that suspension he has found a bit of form.

Form

He is currently earning rave reviews in the Real Madrid midfielder and has put his differences with coach Manuel Pellegrini behind him. Pellegrini seems to think that the balance of his midfield is better with Guti in it. Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque has even said if he keeps his current form up the door is still open to 33 year-old star. If I was Del Bosque I would be shutting and locking the door if Guti was anywhere near it.

The player himself has admitted that he would welcome a return to the Spanish national side and a place in a first major tournament with his country. Could 2010 be the year that the enigmatic and frustrating ace graces the World Cup stage?