Interview: Julen Lopetegui analyses Barcelona's Spain players

Barcelona keep making their mark on the Spanish national team. Despite various young players breaking through, including Isco, the starting XI features various Barcelona stars. Julen Lopetegui, the coach, spoke to SPORT about them...

Andres Iniesta is back in after his injury and he scored a great goal against Costa Rica. How did you decide you'd prefer to have him with you rather than resting and training back at Barcelona after the injury... 

Iniesta came because he'd recovered. He played with his team before joining us, we consider him important and he wants to be here.

Does it surprise you how Pique takes on situations, like the whistles in Malaga against him?

We've always said the same thing about Gerard. His commitment and performance is top level. He transmits his passion to the rest of the squad and they all want to be here. We are delighted with Gerard.

Busquets arrived at his 100th game in Israel for Spain, although he has a lower profile than the others, he's one of the leaders?

He's extraordinary. It's very hard to find another player like him. He understands and partakes in the profession in a tremendously special way. It's a pleasure to have him in any side, a pleasure.

You backed Jordi Alba last season at a moment where he wasn't playing for Barcelona. Do you think that confidence helped him get back to this level?

They give the confidence. Jordi is extraordinary and his performance is very high against a high demand. We bet on him because we were convinced that his performance would be very good. We are delighted with his play and his commitment. He shows a lot of enthusiasm every time he joins up with the national team. 

NO DOORS SHUT TO BARCA YOUNG GUNS

You believed in Gerard Deulofeu when few did, and he had to swap Everton for Milan, but now he seems to have crossed a difficult moment...

We know Gerard very well. In the start to the season with Barcelona he played, then he stopped, but he returned and we're paying a lot of attenton to what he does. He's a certain player, different. That's also in our head. It's not easy to find players in his style. We hope he overcomes any difficulties to be more competitive and better for Barcelona and for us.

Sergi Roberto has had bad luck, whenever he gets called up, unfortunate injuries arise... 

That's true. Sergi was in our head to come to this camp. However he had an injury after a very good month. He's a very good player, capable of working on different tasks and he's good at all of them. Now we hope he recovers and we can see about the future... 

What about Paco Alcácer, who you know well from the youth levels, can he get into the national team? 

You have to say Paco was in our thoughts, but he hasn't played much for Barcelona. Now we're very happy fo the goals he scored against Sevilla and maybe he'll get more minutes. I hope he consolidates this form and the goals mean he can play more and do well. I hope he keeps scoring and growing, like Gerard Deulofeu. It's good for him, for Barca and the Spanish national team.