- Marcos Alonso makes competitive debut for Spain against England.
- Spain are under new management after Luis Enrique appointment.
- READ MORE: Eden Hazard hailed as second best in the world
Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso made his competitive debut for Spain on Saturday night.
A competitive international debut for @MarcosAlonso03! 👏 pic.twitter.com/L5DkCodhMD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 8, 2018
Despite Alonso being named in the PFA Team of the Year last season, former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui opted against taking him to Russia to compete in the World Cup.
As a result, Alonso entered the Luis Enrique era having not made a competitive appearance for La Roja. His only previous appearance for Spain was an 11 minute cameo during his country’s 6-1 demolition of Argentina back in March.
Enrique’s appointment provided Alonso with a clean slate, and one that he appears intent to capitalise on. Alonso earned himself his first competitive cap for Spain against England on Saturday, with his country winning 2-1 at Wembley.
The term ‘competitive’ should be used loosely. After all, the UEFA Nations League was a concept introduced in attempt to make international football more watchable – but they all count!
If Enrique has seen Alonso in action during his time in Blue, he will be well aware of just how dangerous he can be going forward. We believe this is just the first of many competitive appearances he will make for Spain.
Alonso is an older than usual debutant at 27. This serves as evidence that you should never give up. If you keep working hard, opportunities will come.
Here’s a taste of how Twitter reacted to Alonso’s first competitive run-out for his country.
The last time Marcos Alonso & Rodrigo started a game together was Bolton’s 2-0 win vs York City way back in January 2011.
Over seven and a half years later, they’re playing for Spain at Wembley.#bwfc #ENGESP pic.twitter.com/TbkuzHuNtI
— Lion of Vienna Suite (@LionOfViennaSte) September 8, 2018
2 – Spain have won an international game at Wembley for the second time (D2 L5), with both of those victories featuring a Marcos Alonso in the team (Father in 1981 and Son this evening). Legacy. pic.twitter.com/ca315KEiKy
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 8, 2018
Marcos Alonso looking class for Spain. He really is such a threat going forwards.
— Uber Chelsea FC 🏆 (@UberCheIseaFC) September 8, 2018
