Speaking following Mikel Arteta's latest exclusion from the Spanish squad set to face England in tonight’s friendly at Old Trafford, Spanish manager Luis Aragones gave the Everton man encouragement over his international future, as well as a few home truths which Rafael Benitez should take note of.
Aragones: “I think what will be good for Mikel, for Everton and for Spain is for him to keep playing in the same form that he is at the moment, I have been watching his progress from over in Spain and I know that he is doing well. His form has been very good.
Aragones: “I think what will be good for Mikel, for Everton and for Spain is for him to keep playing in the same form that he is at the moment, I have been watching his progress from over in Spain and I know that he is doing well. His form has been very good.
“But Mikel is slightly unfortunate. He is in a very difficult position as there are so many good central midfielders battling for a place"
“That means it will be very tough for him, so he must keep improving. I think he knows this,” he added. “But he is at a good club. Everton are a big club, a massive club. There is no doubt about that. They have won lots of titles.
“That means it will be very tough for him, so he must keep improving. I think he knows this,” he added. “But he is at a good club. Everton are a big club, a massive club. There is no doubt about that. They have won lots of titles.
“I have a good friend in Spain who is an Everton fan and he is always telling me about them. Liverpool is a proud football city but whenever it comes to a choice in my affections, I choose Everton"