Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz’s Euro 2016 chances have been given a boost after reportedly earning a call-up for Spain’s friendlies next month.
The 35-year-old returned to Athletic in the summer of 2012 from Valencia and has scored at least 18 goals in each of his four seasons, with already 26 to his name this term after his wonder strike against Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday.
Consequently, Marca claims Aduriz is in line to add to his solitary cap from October 2010 during the upcoming international break in March, when La Roja face Italy and Romania in preparation for the European Championship.
Del Bosque had given Aduriz his Spain debut, the final 15 minutes of 3-1 victory over Lithuania in Euro 2016 qualifying, but has since overlooked the veteran, reportedly on the grounds of age, despite his incredible goalscoring form.
Nonetheless, there have been increasing calls for Aduriz to be called up in light of the country’s lack of a sustained finisher since David Villa, with the likes of Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer struggling for consistency.
