From a quiet boy to the nation's leader - The Red Fury has a new captain
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 06.09.23. | 11:48
It's a new era for the Spanish national team and a big responsibility for Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata already knows what it's like to be the captain of Spain. He first wore the armband in the friendly match in which Luis Enrique's team defeated Iceland in March last year. But this is different. Now he's been made the full-time captain.
With Sergio Busquets retired from the national team, Morata assumed the prestigious role during the latest training camp. However, he didn't lift the Nations League trophy because the captain in June was Jordi Alba. However, the new Inter Miami recruit has also decided to end his long journey with La Furia Roja.
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Morata is now embarking on a captaincy centred around the upcoming European Championship. He is the captain on the road to Germany, the player tasked with performing the duties previously handled by legends like Andoni Zubizarreta, Fernando Hierro, Raul Gonzalez, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Busquets.
The Euro is a special tournament for Morata. If Spain qualifies for the next one, the Atletico Madrid striker will enter the select group of Spanish players who have played in three editions. Casillas played in four, but he didn't appear on the pitch in France in 2016. However, Morata is already the Spanish leader in one Euro category - goals.
Spain's number 7 has scored six goals between the 2016 and 2022 editions, surpassing Fernando Torres's five and David Villa's four. Morata is one of the best goalscorers in the national team's history. With 30 goals in 64 matches, he is only surpassed by David Silva (35), Fernando Torres (38), Raul (44), and David Villa (59).
Those who know Morata well say that the 2026 World Cup is something he sees as distant and that if he looks ahead, it's only the immediate future. This is where his leadership role within the Spanish squad comes into play. Morata is now the voice of authority in a team where he has grown since 2014. He used to be a shy boy happy to get a few minutes here and there - but now he's the leader.
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