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Álvaro in lap of luxury after Spain debut

Making his first appearance for Spain Under-21s, Álvaro described it as a "luxury" to play with team-mates who beat the Netherlands 3-0 to top Group B without conceding.

Álvaro in lap of luxury after Spain debut
Álvaro in lap of luxury after Spain debut ©UEFA.com

Álvaro was delighted to have won his first cap at Under-21 level as Spain overwhelmed the Netherlands to finish top of Group B. The Real Zaragoza defender was one of seven players brought into Julen Lopetegui's starting XI who slipped in seamlessly for the holders. Still yet to concede a goal, Spain have now found the net themselves on five occasions – three of which have come thanks to Álvaro Morata, who remains as modest as ever.

Álvaro, Spain defender
After winning the first two matches and getting through to the semi-finals, the goal was to finish first – and we did it. Doing so without conceding a goal is even better for our confidence. I very much enjoyed my debut because it is a luxury playing with team-mates like these. I am very happy as my debut for the U21 national team is a reason to be proud.

The [semi-final] against Norway will be difficult. They have shown that they are a very physical and very powerful team. We need to prepare very well. We are playing great games and hopefully we can take one more step to reach the final, which is something we expect. We are a group, we get along well and I really don't feel like the oldest in the squad – that's important.

Álvaro Morata, Spain striker
All of the team are very happy. We wanted to win all three matches because we are Spain, and we needed to do it in order to secure first position. The credit must go to Pablo [Sarabia] for creating two goals. I am so glad to win again and if I am also top scorer, even better.

[David de Gea] is one of the best goalkeepers, not only at Under-21 level, but in the world. He plays for one of the best teams in the world and plays at a spectacular level.