Hard work always pays off. Even though, from my point of view, his opportunity has come five months later, Raúl de Tomás (RDT) has achieved one of his biggest dreams: to make his debut with the Spanish National Team. He is currently the Spanish striker in the best shape and only an injury made Luis Enrique to call him up.
In fact, it was surprising that he started both key games and was the main reference offensively, as he was supposed to be consider as a player for the rotation. I mean that it was surprising from the Luis Enrique’s side, as RDT deserved to start in his debut due to his ability to perform well in crucial moments and his big qualities.
Luis Enrique himself recognized the good impressions he got after coaching him for the first time: “We all know Raúl de Tomás. I have liked a lot what I have seen in the first two practices and I am glad I can add new players to the roster”. We were certain that he was going to offer us a lot from the beginning. He has been great”, he said after the win against Greece.
“We were certain that he was going to offer us a lot from the beginning”
Luis Enrique on Raúl de Tomás
It is true that he has been unable to score and there were huge expectations on him after being called up, but the reviews on his game have been really positive.
We can´t forget that his entire preparation has only been three practices and, unlike the quick adaptation of Gavi to the midfield, Spain has had big lacks forward to create scoring chances for a long time.
The striker for Espanyol proved his versatility; felt more uncomfortable as a winger, but he was constantly moving and making runs forward. However, the most important aspect is that he has showed off part of his potential at shooting. Yes, he missed his best opportunity to score, but this did not affect his confidence.
RDT treasures multiple resources that will benefit the team’s goals. Luis Enrique will recover key players like Ansu Fati, Gerrard Moreno or Mikel Oyarzabal, but this should not mean the end of Raúl de Tomás with the Spanish National Team.
RDT must be a usual in the call-ups and, even from the bench, offer a different kind of striker compared to what there is available today. His time has come at the age of 29. If he maintains his level and shape, the flight of ‘RDT 6’ will head towards Qatar.
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.
Main image: Twitter @SeFutbol.
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