Xabi Alonso has backed his former international colleague Fernando Torres to make Spain’s Euro 2016 squad.
Torres has been in impressive form of late – he’s struck 10 goals in 38 appearances for loan side Atletico Madrid – and will face Alonso’s Bayern Munich tomorrow night in the first leg of an eagerly anticipated Champions League semi-final tie.
As reported by AS (via ESPN FC), Alonso said: “If he continues at this level, he will surely have the chance to play at Euros, although Vicente [Spain coach Del Bosque] has the last word.
“I am happy to see him back to his best form and he looks very happy at Atletico,” Alonso said of the 32-year-old striker who’s returned to his boyhood club on loan from AC Milan.
“The fans love him and he is an idol there. He is also a great friend because of all the experiences we have lived together. But on the field we are not friends. He seems happy and well-loved, and I am glad for him. I hope he continues that way after this [semi- final] tie.”
Torres has made 110 appearances for Spain but hasn’t featured for his country since 2014, despite the fact that Del Bosque doesn’t have an abundance of attacking options to choose from.
When he was playing in the same Liverpool side as Alonso, Torres delivered some hugely impressive performances, but subsequently saw his reputation plummet, especially following his high-profile move to Chelsea, where his form dipped significantly.
However, Torres has managed to re-build his career somewhat back at Atletico, where he’s on loan from Milan. The forward, who has a shot accuracy of 50% in La Liga this season, has been brimming with confidence of late, while winning the Champions League and La Liga would represent a sensational conclusion to the campaign.
Atletico are currently in second place in La Liga, one point adrift of leaders Barcelona and one ahead of Real Madrid, with the conclusion of the title-race set to be very intriguing indeed.
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