Luis Enrique praised “unique” Sergio Ramos after the Spain captain equalled Italy great Gianluigi Buffon’s European caps record in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Ramos was brought on five minutes from time at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for his 176th international appearance, some 15 years after making his senior debut.
The Real Madrid centre-back can overtake Buffon as Europe’s most-capped international footballer should he feature against Switzerland in Basel on Saturday.
He is also within eight appearances of the worldwide caps record, which is currently held by former Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan.
“Sergio is unique. He is on a different level,” he said after the match. “The appearance record is only within the reach of those who are very gifted.”
Enrique fielded an experimental XI that included debutant goalkeeper Unai Simon, plus returning quartet Koke, Alvaro Morata, Hector Bellerin, and Marco Asensio.
Morata set up Sergio Canales for Spain’s 18th-minute opener – the ninth goal the Juventus striker has been directly involved in nine games for club and country this term.
“Alvaro has been very good but it is the same as we have seen these months at Juve,” Enrique said. “We caused problems for them with him in the attack.”
Koke also impressed in Amsterdam as he attempted more passes in the opposition half (29) and produced more tackles (four) than any other player on the field.
Asked about the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s display, Enrique said: “He is a player who gives us total guarantee that he will perform at a very high level. He did very well, exactly what I asked of him, and has the personality to play there.”
Spain has won only two of their six matches this calendar year but Enrique insisted he is happy with where his side is ahead of key Nations League games with Switzerland and Germany over the next week.
“I have a good feeling because this was a complicated game for us,” he said. “We had some good phases, although in the second half we became a little bit more disorganized.
“But in general I am satisfied with my side, who showed a good attitude. We had a plan in place to bring in some fresh players ahead of the two competitive matches. I am more than satisfied with what I have seen.”
Source: goal.com