Manchester United’s Ander Herrera is willing to do all he can to land a place in Vicente Del Bosque’s Euro 2016 Spanish side.
Spain secured a safe passage to next summer’s tournament in France after a convincing 4-0 victory against Luxembourg on Friday night and Herrera’s Spanish amigos Juan Mata and David De Gea were both included in Del Bosques’s recent squad selection.
Both will fancy their chances of securing a place on the plane come June while former Athletic Bilbao man Herrera is desperate to join his United team mates on the international scene and make a major leap forward in his career.
“It’s the next step for me,” he said.
“When you arrive at Manchester United, you are now in the biggest club with the best supporters and maybe the most followed club in the world.
“Last season, I think I had a good season. The fans were happy with me and the manager as well.
“Of course I can play well or I can play badly, but I always give my best and I think I am doing well enough to get into the national squad.”
The 26-year-old is still awaiting his first cap for the national team and after being a regular fixture in the Spanish youth sides and he is keen to make the breakthrough on the international stage.
However, Herrera is arguably trying to break into the most talented midfield on the planet: competition is fierce and La Furia Roja have a wealth of midfield options including the likes of Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Isco, Pedro Rodriguez, Koke, Javi Martinez and Andres Iniesta.
The Red Devils midfielder is backing himself to the upset the monopoly of the star studied Spanish midfield although he is well aware of the challenge he is facing.
“I know we have, in Spain, maybe the best midfielders in the world right now but I think I have the quality to be in the national team.
“I will fight for it. I fought last season for that and I am trying to do it again. I think I have the quality to be in it and I am showing that.”
Herrera’s immediate focus will be reclaiming a place in Louis van Gaal’s starting 11 as the summer signings of midfield pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have added competition.
With Herrera being limited to only two Premier League starts, the Spaniard is eager to impose himself and willing to play anywhere to boost his Spanish cause.
“I think I am ready to help the team [at United], help my team-mates, and I am going to play wherever the manager wants me to play.
“So I am doing the right things to get into the national team but, of course, the [international] manager will decide.
“It’s the next dream, the next step for me. I know it’s difficult but I will try to do my best to be involved in the European Championship.”
Herrera has recently returned to training and with Schweinsteiger picking up a niggling injury on international duty, Herrera’s charge to France next summer could well ignite in United’s upcoming clash away to Everton next Saturday.
Image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
