Paco Alcacer is aiming high for Spain, insisting there’s no reason La Roja can’t claim a third consecutive European Championships.
Spain play Slovakia on Saturday in their latest Euro 2016 qualifier and Macedonia shortly after that, with Alcacer a fixture in the squad a year after he debuted.
“I couldn’t have imagined being here. A year ago I was expecting to be on the list for the Under-21s and when I was called it was for the full team,” he admitted in an interview with Marca.
“I’m taking advantage of my chance. Seeing my name next to [David Villa and Telmo Zarra] and those guys makes me proud.
“I need to improve on everything. I’m 22 so I’m just starting. I wouldn’t say I was a goal scoring specialist. I think I’m good in the area. I sense where the ball might fall.
“I was lucky to have two or three sessions with Villa. I learnt a lot. Clearly I’m a No 9 but I’ll work to do other things, such as getting involved more in the build-up.
“I’m unbearable at home if I don’t score. If we win and I don’t score I’m happy but if I don’t score it’s a thorn in my side. I’m annoyed because scoring is my job.
“I’m learning a lot from Alvaro Negredo. I hope he is from me too. Together we want to do what’s best for the team.
“Right now my dream is my first European Championships. That’s a big dream. Of course we can win it.
“After the disappointment in Brazil there are a lot of people looking forward to another finals. Why can’t we win it? The squad is at a high level. To do this though, we have to win the next two games.
“For Valencia we achieved the aim of the Champions League groups. That was very important for everyone. It’s true we haven’t started well in the League, with two draws, but it’s a long season and together, the team and the fans, we can do good things.”
