Alegre brothers to figure in HIL players' auction

New Delhi: The experienced Alegre brothers -- Ramon and David -- are among the leading Spanish hockey players who have signed up to be a part of the Hockey India League Players' Auction to be held next month. The 31-year-old Ramon Alegre, who led Spain in the London Games earlier this year, has 237 caps to his credit. He has represented Spain in three Olympics starting with Athens in 2004 where the European nation finished fourth.

Ramon has also been a part of two World Cups in 2006 and 2010 and as many as seven Champions Trophy tournaments since 2004, a release from the HI stated. The star defender, who was nominated as member of the FIH All Star Team in 2011, is among the five players from his country with an overall experience of more than 150 internationals that have signed up for HIL, the release added. Meanwhile, his younger brother David Alegre, who will also be a part of the auction, has scored 55 goals for his country from as many as 201 appearances.

Like Ramon, David has also represented Spain in three Olympic Games besides two FIH World Cup tournaments and seven FIH Champions Trophy events since 2004. The midfielder, who earned a nomination as FIH Young Player of the Year in 2006, was part of the FIH All Star Team in 2010 and 2011. The other Spaniard in the auctions list is 34-year-old Pol Amat. The veteran forward has 150 goals in 304 matches to his credit and comes with an experience of playing in five Olympic Games since 1996.

Amat, a former captain, has also played in four FIH World Cup tournaments and nine FIH Champions Trophy events. Apart from Alegre brothers and veteran Amat, the other Spanish player to be in the run for a place in HIL is Alex Fabregas. The 31-year-old midfielder has as many as 226 caps to his credit, including three Olympic Games, two FIH World Cup events and eight FIH Champions Trophy tournaments. Defender Sergi Enrique, 25, on the other hand comes with an experience of 151 matches, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics and two FIH Champions Trophy events. Other Spanish players who will be put under hammer next month include 25-year-old striker Roger Borrell and goalkeepers Xavier Trench and Oriol Fabregas.