Juventus and Spain striker Fernando Llorente has said it’s getting harder to win a place in Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup squad.
The former Athletic Bilbao front man has said in an interview with Minuto 116, republished in part by Marca, that he feels the final part of the season will prove decisive.
“Now more than ever, playing with the national team is really complicated, but none of the contenders will lose hope of going,” Llorente said.
“The most important part of the season is here and a lot depends on how we all do from now until the end.”
Diego Costa is a likely inclusion in Del Bosque’s 23 and despite the Atletico Madrid forward being a rival for a place, Llorente had only good things to say about the Brazil-born striker.
“He is playing incredibly,” Llorente said.
“Costa is doing unthinkable things at a high level and leading Atletico to the top.
“It is really commendable what the whole team are doing.”
Llorente’s form with Juventus has helped the Old Lady to the top of Serie A and the semi-finals of the Europa League.
As well as aiming for an international trip this summer, Llorente wants to end the season with a European trophy and the League crown.
“We are coming out of things very well and I just want to work hard in this final part of the season when we have the chance to win titles,” he said.
“Juve want a European title. It would be great to win the Europa League.”
Sevilla, Valencia and Benfica are the three teams vying with Juve for the tournament.
