Atletico Madrid star and Manchester United target Koke was a deserved inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad yesterday.
The 22-year-old has been in superb form for Diego Simeone’s side this season, taking his game up a level after being regarded as a highly promising prospect for the last few years, weighing in with seven goals and 15 assists from midfield.
Although Koke has only won seven caps for his national side so far, he will now have a serious claim to be in the team ahead of the likes of big names such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who have been somewhat below-par for Barcelona this season, while Manchester United’s Juan Mata is another whose place could be under threat. Koke could still play a crucial role in delivering the La Liga title to Atletico, as well as the Champions League trophy, as his side face two huge games against Barcelona and Real Madrid that will decide their destiny this season.
His role in his team’s success has unsurprisingly made him a top target for several European clubs, and the likes of United and Bayern Munich will no doubt be watching out for him at the World Cup this summer to see if he can take his club form to the biggest stage in international football. Spain are the current holders of the competition, and have also won both Euro 2008 and 2012 in recent years, and they will now be hoping that young talents like Koke can lead the next generation to similar success.
