Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes Marco Asensio’s breakthrough at Real Madrid “is good news for Spanish football.”
Asensio has started the season as arguably Madrid’s best player with four goals in five games, and Iniesta put club loyalties aside when speaking of his admiration for the young winger.
“Asensio? The fact that he’s here speaks for itself,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier between Spain and Italy.
“His performances don’t come as a surprise and that’s important for a team like Real Madrid because we followed him and knew about him already.
“It’s good news for Spanish football. I hope he’s helped and taken care of, so we can enjoy him in the national team for many years.
“Verratti? I don’t know how Italy will play. Verratti’s a great player to watch because he moves the ball and runs Italy’s game.
“Still, the game will be decided by the collective, and that starts from the one-on-ones.
“Fans? The stadium’s going to be full and the fans already know what’s at stake.
“I have no doubt about the strength that they’ll give us. When [Italy] are on top of us, the fans have to help us.
“Italy? We know each other well, but every game is different. You have to be switched on for the entire game. They’re a great team.”