Spain vs Israel - Gerard Deulofeu hoping to cement spot in Spain squad against Israel

Posted Friday, March 24, 2017 by PA

Gerard Deulofeu is looking to cement his place in the Spain squad in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Israel.

The 23-year-old AC Milan midfielder, on loan from Everton, won his only cap to date in a friendly against Bolivia in 2014 but, having received another call-up, he is aiming to prove he belongs when it matters.

"I am very happy to be here and to have this confidence shown in me," Deulofeu said.

"I'm working hard. I want to help the team and to be part of it more often."

The former Barcelona midfielder has struggled to build on his early promise, joining Everton permanently after impressing on loan only to be marginalised and sent out to Milan.

But his form has improved to the extent that a possible return to Barcelona has even been mooted.

"I think I've matured," he said. "I work hard during the week and this leads me to play more regularly."

There is no let up in the pressure for Spain, who may be unbeaten in Group G but are level on points with Italy and only one clear of Friday's opponents.

"We have come here to play a match of enormous importance against a very serious opponent," said coach Julen Lopetegui after the team arrived in Gijon. "To get three points would suit us very well for the qualification we are pursuing.

"The cards are on the table. Let's enjoy what football will bring."

Israel have made an impressive start but coach Elisha Levy said the trip to Spain is a very different challenge to the ones they have faced so far.

"We know we are playing against one of the strongest teams in the world," he said. "When you see who is left out of the team you understand the level of difficulty.

"The most important thing for us is first of all our approach. Our approach so far has proven itself to be that we are not afraid of anyone.

"We play against one of the best teams in the world but we want to play positive football to test ourselves.

"When the ball is with us, we will definitely try to attack."