Interviews

Sanchez ready to mix it with Spain's best

Goalkeeper relishing the chance to join up with national side for World Cup qualifiers.

By Alex Stedman • 17 March 2021

By James Boardman
Robert Sanchez will join up with the Spain squad after this weekend's match against Newcastle.

Robert Sanchez says the opportunity to link up with Spain's senior squad at the end of this month is one he's eager to seize.

The 23-year-old has been named in Luis Enrique's squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with Greece, Georgia and Kosovo and is keen to do everything he can to continue his recent impressive development.

He said, “The call-up is great, and I can't wait to meet up with the rest of the squad because there are some really big players there.

“I just want to do my best - the most important thing is to keep improving every day, every game. That's what I have been doing and things are going well for me at the moment.”

Sanchez admitted his phone was even busier than last November when he made his Albion debut away to Tottenham Hotspur, but there was only going to be one voice on the end of the first call he made. 

“My phone was going crazy again like it did when I made my debut against Tottenham, probably even more busy than before!

“As soon as I found out I called my Mum and let her know, I am very close with her and all of my family are really proud.”

The selection for Las Rojas next week will see Sanchez share the changing room with one of his footballing idols from a young age, an experience he calls 'a dream come true.'

By Paul Hazlewood
Manchester United keeper David De Gea is a player Robert Sanchez has looked up to.

“David De Gea has always been a goalkeeper I've looked up to, to be in the same national squad as him feels amazing – it's a dream come true.

“To be able to challenge for the jersey for Spain will be incredible for me. When you see my picture in that graphic that the national team put out it's really impactful.”

It caps a remarkable year for the young stopper, who was plying his trade with Rochdale in League One this time 12 months ago before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was last in Spain in the summer of 2019 and the last time I saw my Mum was that Christmas.

“So much has changed for me since I saw them. I've never had a year like it, my mum has seen how much I am developing and maturing through phone calls and TV.

“Both on and off the field I have made big progress. This time last year I was playing for Rochdale in League One, so it is a big change, but I just have to keep my head down and work hard, taking every opportunity that I get.”