Baena: 'Pablo Barrios is underrated – only Atleti know how good he is'

Álex Baena is enjoying one of the best spells of his career. He spoke about the confidence the World Cup gave him and the current state of the national team, and also heaped huge praise on his Atlético de Madrid teammate Pablo Barrios.

Álex Baena did not hold back. Asked by Nacho Donado, a reporter for 'Club Uría', the Roquetas-born player made clear what he thinks of his clubmate: "Pablo Barrios has nothing to envy the players in his position in this national team. His level is extremely high. He's a very underrated player in our country. Only those of us at Atleti know how good he is. He should stay calm, his chance will come, there are always injuries, matches... He should look after himself. All of us are trying to help him overcome the aspect he's struggling with, and I'm sure that when his chance comes he won't waste it," said Baena, in glowing praise of his teammate.

On his confidence with the national team and his good form, Baena explained: "It's normal that people criticised the coach's decision to take me to the World Cup, because I hadn't had a good season. The World Cup gave me confidence, something clicked in my head and thanks to that I can be at the best moment of my career," he said.

And on Spain's next opponents, England at the Metropolitano, Baena said: "Along with Spain, England are one of the best national teams. A great coach, great players and the Ballon d'Or. On that point, I would have loved Lamine Yamal or any Spaniard to win it, but Kane deserves it too."

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid player Alejandro Grimaldo is currently suffering from a mild bout of flu, as confirmed by Spain head coach Luis De la Fuente.