Spain boss Luis Enrique insists Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is ‘a unique and special player’, who is ‘an example for others’.
Question marks over Ramos’ integrity were raised again midweek as he seemed to get away with breaking an opponent’s nose during Madrid’s 5-0 win at Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.
“There are quite a few new faces, but it shows we have a very big group of players who can come in,” continued Luis Enrique at a Press conference for Spain’s upcoming games against Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“Absences? I won’t talk about those who aren’t here. Mario Hermoso and Brais are good enough and I want to see them competing with the national team.
“The game in Zagreb will have nothing to do with the one Elche. It’ll be a very nice match to prepare for and play in. We’re still reliant on ourselves, but so do Croatia.
“It’ll be a wonderful test in a hostile atmosphere against a team who make it difficult for you.
“Busquets and Rodri? Good players can always play together. Ramos? We know that whistles are part of football.
“Players have to be prepared for any flattery or criticism that goes their way. Players like Ramos have stature and character. He’s a unique and special player.
“He’s won everything with the national team and his club. He’s a unique professional and a leader, who is an example for others.
“Asensio and Rodrigo? All players have good and bad spells. They can’t be 8/10 every match. There’s no general rule.
“We study each case separately, everyone’s different and the pool is getting bigger. I felt bittersweet sensations after the England game, but then it changed.
“The mistakes we make and accuracy of our finishing isn’t normal. The team bounced back in the second half and that’s what I like.”
