Ferran Torres is desperate to give Spain boss Luis de la Fuente an issue he can’t ignore.
The former Manchester City man was La Roja’s match winner as a much-changed side beat Albania 1-0 in Dusseldorf on Monday - a result that also ensured England's place in the last 16.
In his first start of the tournament Torres coolly slid home Dani Olmo’s clever pass to notch his 20th international goal - including five at major tournaments. It wrapped up a perfect Euro 2024 group stage, with three wins from three, no goals conceded and key players able to get some rest before the knockout stages.
That includes De la Fuente’s chosen wide men, the quicksilver pair of Nico Williams and Barcelona's teen sensation Lamine Yamal, who had tormented defences and shone in the opening two games.
But Torres, 24, doesn’t want to go back to playing second fiddle and says he’ll do all he can to force his way into the starting lineup for the last 16.
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“I will try to make things difficult for my coach so that he will like to play me,” said Torres. “The thing about this team is that anyone is ready to be in the first eleven.
“And that’s key. Any player can solve a game for you.”
Torres celebrated his goal by cupping his ear towards the Spanish fans, a gesture that it was suggested to him could be seen in a negative light. But he insisted that there was nothing negative about it, declaring: “There is no need to look for second interpretations.
“It was for all the people who have come to help us. I wanted to listen to the Spanish fans screaming. If I could, I would’ve jumped into the stands to celebrate.
“I don’t have anything to prove out there. I feel proud. I want more."
Ferran Torres (11) of Spain celebrates with his teammates (Anadolu via Getty Images)Spain are in excellent form, winning 10 of their last 11 matches - drawing the other.
Defender Dani Vivian added: "This is a win which really pleases us. We've completed the 'perfect' group stage – three wins and no goals conceded. In the first half, we were really good.
"Maybe we were a touch short of our best tempo. It felt like a matter of time before we scored again. But, in the second half, we maybe let them create a couple of chances we'd rather have avoided."
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