Iglesias: Not targeting the World Cup at all; surprised by Yamal’s maturity

6686 Sports November 14th The 32-year-old Iglesias has scored 7 goals in La Liga on behalf of Celta Vigo this season and is only one step away from locking in a World Cup berth for the Spanish national team. In an interview with "Journal of Catalonia", Iglesias said that he had not deliberately thought too much about whether to participate in the World Cup.

How do you feel about returning to the national team on the eve of the World Cup and achieving this goal after returning to your hometown to join Celta Vigo?

Iglesias: "I am very happy and satisfied. Going home puts me in an environment where I can enjoy myself and feel comfortable. Coming here (national team) is a reward, an honor, and a kind of arrogance."

Is it a goal to participate in the World Cup at the beginning of the season?

Iglesias: "Not at all. To be honest, I don't think about it now."

Have you set a goal goal for yourself?

Iglesias: ""I never set a specific number. The season with the most goals in his career, totaling about 19 goals in all competitions. We hope to get close to this number, but the important thing is that these goals can help the team win and advance - this is what really matters.

How do you evaluate Yamal?

Iglesias: "He is an impressive player. Talented, can assist, can score goals, is good at breakthroughs... But what surprised me most is the maturity of his decision-making. For his age, it is incredible. And he is a very simple, very sincere kid, He has a cheerful personality and is very focused. The speed of his rise is really impressive. I am also impressed by the comprehensive and mature skills of Germany's Wiltz."

What did you learn from Xavi Alonso at Leverkusen?

Iglesias: "Too many. His football philosophy is different, focusing on youth training and the polishing of the strategic system. That experience exposed me to different football styles and helped me adapt to my current life in Celta. "But also, on a personal level, it was a very valuable time. I had a good relationship with him and he was a great guy."

You also played with Lewandowski against Barcelona, was he a role model for you as a striker?

Iglesias: "Of course. He is a talented player who can score goals in various ways. As an opponent, it is indeed difficult to face him, but watching him play is a teaching lesson: his movement, finishing ability... He has been at the top level for more than ten years."

If you had to choose between "playing in the finals with Celta" and "playing in the World Cup", which one would you choose?

Iglesias: "(laughing) If I can play in the finals, then I will definitely have a chance to play in the cup. So I chose to play in the finals with the team, and then go to the cup naturally."