EURO 2016
Jordi Alba: “I’d like to have Lucas Vázquez in my team”
The Barça left-back heaped praise on the Real Madrid winger: “He’s a key player”.
Jordi Alba joined up with Lucas Vázquez speak to the press at an Adidas event in central Madrid. The Barcelona defender discussed the Spain squad and the upcoming Euro 2016 championships in France.
Who do you see as your most dangerous rivals at the Euros?
First of all we have to focus on the other three teams in our group. For me it’s the most difficult group at Euro 2016 and hopefully we’ll get through. There are very good sides in the tournament but for now we’re focusing on those three.
What does Lucas Vázquez bring to the Spain squad?
I’d say that as well as the quality he has and his speed, it’s the offensive and defensive work he does at his club. He’s a key player for any team because he can change a game at any moment, whether he starts or comes off the bench. I’d like to have Lucas Vázquez in my team.
What do you remember from winning the Euros four years ago?
It was a complete tournament for me because I’d only played three games for the national side. Del Bosque put his faith in me when other people didn’t. I’m grateful for what he did, and in a position that wasn’t even my usual one. He believed in me and that was great.
Will the last World Cup have an effect on Spain?
They’re different tournaments. In Brazil we weren’t at the level we and everyone else hoped for. That’s in the past. We have to forget about it because this is going to be different. The new players bring a lot of excitement with them, just as we did. The mentality is different. In football and in life you have to look for the positives and learn from the negatives.
