Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has backed under-fire captain Alvaro Morata to stay essential for La Roja in 2025.
Forward of the UEFA Nations League closing in opposition to Portugal in Munich, De la Fuente faces a serious name on beginning the 32-year-old, with Mikel Oyarzabal in higher type.
With Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in place on the flanks, Spain’s No.9 spot is again up for debate, and Oyarzabal scored twice in March’s quarter closing in opposition to the Netherlands.
The Basque ahead was retained for the chaotic 5-4 semi closing win over France with two assists earlier than being changed late on.
Samu Agehehowa got here on for Oyazrzabal, as De la Fuente left Morata on the bench, following a irritating few months for the striker.
His return to Italy was quick lived in 2024/25, as AC Milan loaned him to Galatasaray in February, however he nonetheless managed seven objectives in Turkey.
De la Fuente backs Morata as Spain captain
After taking the senior job in February 2023, De la Fuente instantly put in Morata as captain, and he led the workforce to glory within the UEFA Euro 2024 closing over England.
His lack of latest prominence is just not a problem for the supervisor who’s assured over his skilled frontman.
“He’s a pacesetter and particularly necessary for us, no matter whether or not he performs kind of. He’s the most effective chief,” as per quotes from Marca.
“He has numerous soccer left in him and may have some crucial moments with us. He contributes loads behind the scenes, away from the highlight. I connect nice significance to that.”
Alvaro Morata’s Spain profession in numbers
Since his debut in 2014, Morata has racked up 85 Spain caps – extra that double nearly all of De la Fuente’s present squad – with 37 worldwide objectives scored, in comparison with Oyarzabal’s 15.
He’s presently fourth on the all-time high scorer listing, one behind Fernando Torres, and 22 off chief David Villa.