Vicente del Bosque has rubbished the suggestion Celta Vigo forward Nolito is in the Spain squad as a token offering.
La Roja host Germany in Vigo after a Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus and Nolito has been named in the squad after a strong start to the new season.
It was put to Del Bosque at a Press conference that Nolito’s involvement could be considered a sop to the local fans but he insisted he wants to get a closer look at the ex-Benfica man.
“He’s adapted well to his new position out wide and that opens the field,” the Coach stressed, AS reports.
“We didn’t call him because we’re in Vigo. He’s earned this with his performances. I don’t know if we’re late calling him but we’re convinced about the decision and he is doing very well this season.
“The litmus test is Belarus. It’s a very important game even if it has less glamour than the game we’ll play here.
“It’s important because it’s three points for qualification. There are no meaningless games – every result means something and more so against teams like Germany. They are two very important games.”
Nolito is just one of a number of new faces in the squad and Del Bosque denied it’s a sudden development.
“Renewing the squad has been constant since we took over seven years ago,” he argued.
“50% of the players who were in Kiev were in Vienna. It’s always required to replace when necessary. Now the same thing is happening.
“It’s not just a result of defeats but because it’s the law of life. What’s needed is like in 2008, the new people to come in, consolidate and take us to new heights.”
