Xabi recommends Grimaldo for Spanish national team
Speaking at his Sunday press conference, Bayer 04 Leverkusen trainer Xabi Alonso recommended veteran left-wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo for the Spanish national team.
Just as he did in a massive match against the German record champions two weeks ago, 28-year-old Spanish fullback/wingback Alejandro Grimaldo lifted his team at precisely the right moment with a set-piece screamer in a match yesterday. The former Spanish youth international's current Spanish trainer has great reason to be pleased with the player acquired on a free by his Bundesliga club this offseason.
The long-time SL Benfica professional has pocketed three assists in addition to his two league goals. Grimaldo also recorded an assist in Leverkusen's cup match and turned in a solid performance in the Europa League. A player who has not represented his native country since his last Spain U21 call-up seven years ago is very much a hot topic in German footballing circles.
Xabi expressed surprise that Grimaldo has yet to be capped at senior level during his Sunday morning press conference. In words clearly aimed at Spanish national team trainer Luis de la Fuenta, the Leverkusen gaffer praised all aspects of Grimaldo's game. Xabi emphasized that the wingback's defending was just as important as his free-kicks.
"I can't explain why he hasn't played for Spain yet, but I would endorse it," Xabi said, "Grimaldo totally deserves a call-up. If he carries on like this, he'll be invited to the national team. I certainly hope he is."