‘I feel fortunate’ – Barcelona midfield prodigy elated after making Spain debut | OneFootball

As Spain gear up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Luis de la Fuente’s men played one of their two friendlies against Egypt this midweek.

Spain were notably held to a 1-1 draw, but it was Marc Bernal, who was the key talking point of the game, after he was granted his debut in the senior team by de la Fuente.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Bernal was emotional and elated at the same time, admitting that the occasion meant a lot to him.

What Bernal said after debut for Spain

Bernal made his debut for Spain vs Egypt. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy to have made my debut with the senior team. I think I improved a bit as the game went on, and I did show a little nerves in the first match.

“But that’s normal. It’s a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life because I’ve been dreaming about this since I was little,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

The Barcelona midfielder, who is set to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, was also humble when reflecting on the fact that he was called up ahead of others who did not make the final World Cup squad.

“Others deserved it and couldn’t be here, so I feel fortunate,” he said, adding that he held no envy towards those who earned a place in the tournament. “It’s my first call-up and I’ve already been able to make my debut.”

De la Fuente full of praise

De la Fuente was impressed by Bernal’s display. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was equally effusive in his assessment of the youngster after the final whistle.

“He’s a very young lad with a lot of personality and great judgment to play in such an important position for us as central midfielder.

“He has so much potential that he has enormous room for improvement. How far he can go will depend on him because he looks like a very important player for the future,” the coach said.

Meanwhile, Bernal also took a moment to defend his Barcelona teammate Joan Garcia after the goalkeeper’s error led to Iraq’s goal.

“It was a play he’ll have to analyse, but we know the goalkeeper he is, and anyone can make a mistake,” he concluded.