Ramos matches Di Stefano as Enrique lauds Fati

Spain’s most capped player with 170 appearances for the national team, Sergio Ramos has matched Alfredo Di Stefano in the number of goals scored while on international duty.

The two goals Ramos netted for Spain in Sunday’s 4-0 UEFA Nations League clash victory over Ukraine also means he now sits joint-eighth in the nation’s list of highest goalscorers – level with fellow Los Blancos great Alfredo Di Stefano, after whom Sunday’s venue was named. The two men are now tied on 23 goals.

Meanwhile Spain head coach, Luis Enrique has heaped words of praise for youngster, Ansu Fati who netted in his first start for La Furia Roja on Sunday night. Fati did not feel the weight of international expectation on his full debut and played with the swagger and quality of a seasoned veteran. 

Time and again Ukraine’s defenders were left hapless by the Barca forward, who fully deserved his historic goal. Enrique has now declared that Fati’s self-confidence is not normal, adding that he has no doubt the prodigious talent will stay grounded.
“I’m not scared. I’m sure it won’t go to his head, he’s very humble,” Enrique told a news conference about Fati’s first Spain start.
“We’re going to know how to manage it. Although I know him, of course he surprised me, that he did that in minute two [won the penalty].
“Sure, he will have bad games, but that self-confidence is not normal to see. Ansu Fati is very happy and has reasons. He is only 17 years old and has to mature, but in his second match with the national team he dares to do all this.
“He brings work and humility. At his age it is easy for it to go to your head, but he is mature enough to know that the path he is following is the best. He is very calm and humble.”
Enrique also discussed the landmark reached by Ramos in Sunday’s game.
“I hope he can achieve many more things with the national team. He is a leader, but not only in words, with the example, which is how he leads,” he added.
“He does nothing but add. It is very easy for a coach to have Sergio Ramos.”