Marco Asensio insists “I must be humble” and “the praise mustn’t get to my head” after his hat-trick for Spain Under-21s against FYR Macedonia.
Asensio scored three of Spain’s five goals in their 5-0 win against Macedonia on Saturday to ensure La Rojita got their European Under-21 Championship campaign off to a flyer, but the Real Madrid attacker is determined to stay grounded.
“We knew that our first match would be complicated because we had to start well and I think we had a great game against a good team, who made it difficult,” he said after the game.
“I’m happy for myself, but above all for the team. Now we must think about Portugal because the tournament is very short and we can’t fail.
“I feel very well, the Coach gives me a lot of freedom in attack and I’m very comfortable, roaming in attacking areas.
“You could see that I was very comfortable and I’m happy. I knew I had to keep working hard and be prepared if the opportunity arose.
“I’m always prepared and I’ve come here in very good shape to these finals.
“I must be humble and keep working hard. The praise mustn’t get to my head.
“Everything I’m doing is from sacrifice. You saw it on the pitch. We’re happy but aware that on Tuesday, we have another match and we can’t fail against a great team like Portugal.
“Over the next few days, we’ll look at videos of them, but we’re already thinking of them now. We’re a team and we must all pull in the same direction.
“Playing in attack? I tend to shoot more up top and I’m more aggressive there.
“It’s something I had inside of me and I had to take advantage of it. Now the goals are coming and I’m very happy.”
