Spain

Xabi Alonso Feels Comfortable Playing For Real Madrid & Spain

The midfielder says he has adapted to the different demands of each role....

Nov 17, 2009 1:18:21 AM

Mata, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

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Mata, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

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Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso says he is equally comfortable playing for Spain as he is playing for his club.

Alonso scored both of Spain's goals in the 2-1 win over Argentina at the weekend and told a press conference that he has a different role in the national side but the demands are the same because he needs to know how those around him play and as a result must learn different ways of playing.

"I feel as fresh and just as comfortable. I have different role, but still need to know who plays around me. Depending on that, you have to know how to compliment their style of play, be as flexible as possible and learn to play several ways," he said.

The 27-year-old midfielder also played down the importance of La Furia Roja's FIFA world ranking, stating that having a good tournament at next year's World Cup finals in South Africa was what really mattered.

"If we can be in the first place, great, but we can't worry too much or obsess about it. The important thing is to have a good World Cup, that's what is relevant and important," he commented.

Paul Madden, Goal.com