Spain national team boss took the surprise step of bringing backLopetegui to the national team fold for the upcoming World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
Spain are up against Italy and Liechtenstein September. The national team has to win these games in order to seal qualification to the World Cup 2018 in Russia. Spain are top of the group G, but they are only in this position due to a better goal difference than Italy. A positive result for the latter in the upcoming fixture would be disastrous for Spain, as it would mean a possible play-off place for the team.
The contest in the next four matches will only be about the top two places. ManagerLopetegui recognises the importance of having some of the best players in the squad. As a result, he has gone back to the basics by bringing in David Villa – the record goalscorer for Spain with 59 in his 97 appearances.
Villa has not featured for Spain since the last World Cup in 2014. He has been of the limelight in recent years after deciding to move to the North American football league with the MLS club New York City FC. Even here, Villa has been doing what he does best – score goals. Villa has been able to top the MLS goal scoring charts up until now with 19 for the season.
“We have always said that we do not close the door to anyone and we have always followed David [Villa]. Spain understands that at this moment it was necessary for him to return and we know that he will help us. What he can contribute is what he has always been able to; quality, intuition and a will and desire to compete that will put him at the service of the team,” said the manager.