This weekend, top-flight leagues around the globe take a breather as national teams come to the fore. As World Cup 2018 qualifying begins for some of football’s minnows, qualifying games for next summer’s European Championships are in full swing. These games will involve several Arsenal players, including Nacho Monreal.
The 29-year-old sat down for an informative chat with Arsenal Player to talk about the success of the Spanish national side since 2008, as well as highlight how playing in England has bolstered rather than hindered his own selection into the national side.
I’ve always said that it’s a different type of football here. In Spain there is more of a focus on tactics, technique and positioning, whereas in England it is more physical. The fans like seeing box-to-box play and lots of direct runs, so I think on a physical level I’ve improved because you have to get used to English football. I’ve certainly got better in that regard.
His improvement has shown not only in his selection to the national side but also in his strengthening hold on the left-back position. At times since his arrival in early 2013, he has either played second-choice behind England international Kieran Gibbs, or the two have shared the spot. However, during the 2014-2015 season Nacho made the position all his own, and shows no signs of relinquishing it.
Despite playing in England, which could be seen as a hindrance on a national side consisting mainly of players in La Liga, Monreal does not feel as though playing overseas hinders his chances of selection. This speaks both to his improvement since his arrival as well as the worldwide popularity of the English Premier League.
The Premier League is one of the most popular leagues in the world and in Spain virtually everyone follows the Premier League as it’s very entertaining for the viewer. There are lots of staff working for the Spanish national team who watch lots of English matches and come here to watch us, so I don’t think it has much of an effect on my chances of being selected.
Spain currently sit in second place in Group C behind Slovakia, whom they face at home (in Oviedo) tomorrow at 19:45 local time.
