The 22-year-old scored a brace against Luxembourg after coming on for Juventus striker A?lvaro Morata, and will be given the opportunity to impress from the start against Ukraine
Spain play their final qualification game on Monday against Ukraine in Kiev having already sealed top spot in the group, and manager Vicente Del Bosque has confirmed that he will make changes to the team that faced Luxembourg on Friday.
Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid manager has also claimed that Spain’s 2012 Euros win at the same venue was his best moment as manager, and that he is hoping the current team can get to that level in the future.
Del Bosque confirms Paco AlcA?cer will start
The Spain manager confirmed he would make changes for the final qualifier against Ukraine on Monday, and that young Valencia striker Paco AlcA?cer will start up front. Del Bosque also spoke about the qualities of Celta Vigo attacker Nolito, who has been in magnificent form this season.
.
“I’ve already decided what the starting XI will be and there will be some changes from the side that played in Logro o,” Del Bosque is quoted as saying by MARCA. “We think it’s for the best that we make some changes.”
On AlcA?cer: “He will start against Ukraine. He is in fine form and we must take advantage of the fact.”
The Spaniard also talked up Nolito, who could be in line for a start from the left flank: “Nolito gives us options and can get in behind. He is capable of producing that bit of magic that can open up tight opposing defences.”
Kiev win the best moment of Del Bosque’s managerial career
Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has claimed that the country’s second consecutive European Championship win in 2012 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev was the best moment of his managerial career.
“The 2012 final in Kiev was my best as manager. I hope that we can get back to playing at the same level”, Del Bosque is quoted as saying by MARCA.
The 64-year-old also insisted that his team would not be taking the final game lightly despite having already qualified for the 2016 Euros. “We travel to Kiev having already qualified, but this doesn’t mean that we’re not up for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“Ukraine are a strong side. They are good in wide areas and they’re a team with their own particular identity.”