Asier Illarramendi has reflected on his growing role with the Spain Under-21s and is cautiously optimistic for La Rojita’s chances of qualifying for the Euros.
Julen Lopetegui’s side defeated Denmark 5-0 in the first leg of their play-off for a place in next summer’s European Under-21 Championships in Israel.
Illarramendi, who managed a full 90 minutes in last Thursday’s fixture, reflected on the task facing him and his teammates next Tuesday and on his role within the team at the moment.
“We have taken a small step. The second leg will be a game that will not be easy. They have a good team and are one of the best that we have faced, but I don’t think they can score five past us,” reflected the midfielder today.
“The Coach played a single pivot and I was given a little more freedom. I was a little bit further ahead, but still in the middle.
“The last two games [for Real Sociedad] I played further back and personally I prefer to play there. I see the whole game and am less crowded against the opponents I face. I prefer to pick up the ball around there, rather than further on ahead.
“We had a lot of possession [on Thursday] and had the chance to play enough of the ball. The truth is that I felt very comfortable playing and playing.”
Even so, the midfielder, who chose to dismiss comparisons with Xabi Alonso, reflected that he is still not playing at 100 per cent.
“I do not think it was one of my best games. In the first half I lost three or four balls that I should not have lost. And in the second I lost two more.
“I struggled in the first three or four weeks of the season in my calf muscles, but every week I am getting better and improving physically too.
“If I was selected for next summer’s Euros then that would make me very happy.”
