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Luis Enrique hailed his old guard as well as Spain’s new generation after a 1-1 draw with Germany — and admitted he wanted to convince veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets to play at the next World Cup.
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Spain were pegged back by under-pressure Germany in Sunday’s heavyweight group clash but need only a draw in their final game against Japan to progress and a win will send them through to the knockout round in first place.
Youngsters Gavi and Pedri have made big impressions on the global stage in Qatar, but Luis Enrique highlighted the contribution of 30-year-old goalscorer Alvaro Morata, as well as 33-year-old Jordi Alba and 34-year-old Busquets.
The Spain boss said: “We say pressure is a privilege and we want our young players to play as they do with their clubs.
“I say all my 26 players are role models, exemplary and all deserve to play. The difficulty for me is who to play.
“Alvaro in great form; he had some physical issues, which meant he had to wait to come. We know he contributes so much to the team, that’s our goal as a squad.
“Jordi Alba is a top player, as is Busquets. Some people get tired about older players but these guys are still amazing. I don’t bring these guys here to have fun.
“Jordi is the best wing-back in the final third and still defends so well. People have been trying to retire Busquets for years but I want to convince him to play another World Cup!”
GO DEEPER
Spain 1-1 Germany: Super subs Morata and Fullkrug, technical quality and a very high line...
While Spain’s result against Japan will have an impact elsewhere in a tight group, Luis Enrique insisted his players would only focus on their business and play to win.
“There was a strange feeling in the changing room because we had the opportunity to beat Germany and we let it slip through our hands and that was a shame,” Luis Enrique told a news conference.
“But we have to think that we are at the top and we have to stay positive.
“A draw against Japan on Thursday would probably send us through to knock-outs but we will not speculate. We will use our full strength and go for the win to secure the top in the group standings.
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“If we want to play seven games (until the final) we need to give our best.”
Asked if he had any advice for Hansi Flick’s side, who will advance if they beat Costa Rica and Spain prevail, he added: “Germany should not think about our game, they should focus on Costa Rica first because we are in the World Cup and every rival has their own quality.”
GO DEEPER
Pedri, Gavi and a very Spanish obsession with space
(Photo: Getty Images)
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