Alvaro Morata has reflected on how his work with the Spanish Under-21 team helps him in his fight for playing time at Real Madrid.
The youngster is currently behind a struggling Karim Benzema in the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has impressed in brief appearances from the bench.
In looking to continue his strong form with the Under-21 side during this international break, the player has reflected on his club situation.
“These are football cases. With the national team I was also had such a role at the European Under-21 Championships and I finished as top scorer,” mused Morata to reporters today.
“I am calm. The national team helps me to become even more confident and to compete at my club.
“Am I in a freer role with Spain compared to Madrid? It is not that, but maybe I have been so eager to prove myself with my club that I have sometimes played tricks on myself, that I have not done everything that I have needed to do.
“Gradually I am becoming calmer, with the Under-21s I have fun and I can also develop.”
Morata is joined in this qualification campaign’s early goalscoring exploits by Jese Rodriguez, but the 20-year-old doesn’t believe Julen Lopetegui’s team are over-reliant on them.
“The focus is the same for everyone because we are a team. The work of everyone together will benefit the team moving forward, not just that of Jese and myself.
“A chance of going to the World Cup? I have many players in front of me, I must first do well with the Under-21s and with Real Madrid.
“It would be something amazing but I have not thought of it yet.”
Spain play Bosnia and Herzegovina tomorrow evening in Murcia.
“For any team to come and play us at home is a challenge. They will come to play their game, as Albania did in September, who played with three central defenders.
“In Austria we played well but at times were relaxed. Everyone expects the best from us and we have to respond.”
