Grimaldo on being a substitute for Spain: "I was one of the best left-backs in the world"

Coming off a sensational season with Bayer Leverkusen in which he scored 12 goals and laid on 20 assists, Alex Grimaldo headed into the European Championship with Spain in fine form.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old has mostly been on the bench during the tournament in Germany, with Chelsea's Marc Cucurella being Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's preferred starter at left-back.

In an interview with A Bola, Grimaldo says he respects the decision, but that it doesn't change his confidence in his own abilities.

"We are different fullbacks, the coach understands that Cucu brings other things that are better suited to the system and what he wants in each game," Grimaldo said.

"I've accepted it, but it doesn't take away the merit of a season in which I was one of the best left-backs in the world, if not the best. The numbers say it, as do the performances and the titles. I'm here to help the team when the coach needs me.

"I get along very well with Cucu, even though he plays more than me at the moment, I think I'm still here to help and everything I've done this season doesn't lose value because I'm not playing as much. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my football, we have a very good relationship and nothing will change that," he added.