The world champions' coach praised the Real Madrid
signing and defended Alvaro Arbeloa and Iker Casillas against criticism of
their Confederations Cup performances
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has piled pressure of the
shoulders of new Real Madrid signing Isco by saying the country has its
footballing hopes pinned on the attacking midfielder.
The talented attacker joined for the Blancos for an
estimated €35 million, with the Santiago Bernabeu side beating the likes of
Manchester City to the signature of the ex-Malaga starlet.
Isco, 21, was left out of the Roja squad for the
Confederations Cup in June but Del Bosque insists that the youngster features
in his plans.
"We have a lot of hope pinned to Isco, he is the future
of the national team," he told Radio Nacional de Espana on Thursday.
Another up-and-coming Spanish starlet, Real Sociedad
midfielder Asier Illarramendi, has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid and
the ex-Bernabeu boss was fulsome in his praise of the starlet.
"Illarramendi is the complete midfielder. He has the
personality to play for any team in the world," Del Bosque added.
Spain's Confederations Cup ended on a sour note as they
were thrashed 3-0 in the final by hosts Brazil. The likes of Alvaro Arbeloa and
Iker Casillas came in for criticism for their role in the loss but Del Bosque
defended his players.
"Alvaro played very well throughout the
tournament," he said. "It's as if we are always looking for the weak
link and we are all guilty of that. Casillas was magnificent.
"We played good football at times but the final
wiped away everything we did up until then. We now have another year to try to
make sure we have a good World Cup - if we qualify."
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