David Moyes has hailed Real Sociedad's “ambition” in brokering Asier Illarramendi's return ahead of Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
The midfielder rejoined La Real for €16m earlier in the week and is in line to make his second debut against the La Liga new boys, but the Coach was understandably cautious about throwing his latest recruit into the deep end after just two days of training.
“We're in no doubt that he's ready to play, but he's only had two days of work with the squad,” he said at a Press conference.
“He joined up with the team on Wednesday and has trained well, but we must make sure he's in suitable condition.
"Illarramendi and his return is very good for the club. It shows the ambition of the President, who wants to build a good team, so the fans must give much credit to [President] Jokin Aperribay.
“He's a great signing because Real Madrid signed him for his quality.
“Big signings like these make the difference. Illarra's excited too because he knows the club's ambition.
“[On managing the most expensive Real squad in history], money is small in comparison to the grandeur of football.
“We want to challenge the best and compete with teams like Sevilla and Villarreal, even if they've spent more than us this summer.
“[Sporting] will be tough and difficult, given how they played against Real Madrid as they did very well, with great energy and fans who pushed them on a lot.
“It's hard to beat a newly-promoted team because they remain very strong from the season before.
“What they may lack in quality is made up with attitude, so it'll be very difficult.
“I'm happy with my squad because there's plenty of competition in each position.”
