ARAGONES HAILS ARTETA AND BLUES
Luis Aragones
Spain's national coach has reassured Mikel Arteta the midfielder does not have to leave Goodison to fulfill his international ambitions - because
Everton is 'a massive club'.
The Blues' playmaker has not yet made the step up to the senior international stage despite emerging as one of the Premiership's most consistent midfield performers since his arrival at Everton from Real Sociedad in January 2005.
There was widespread speculation he would earn a call up to Luis Aragones' squad for this week's friendly with England at Old Trafford but, yet again, Arteta was disappointed.
It left the midfielder to suggest he was not being considered because he does not play in Spain or for one of England's Champions League regulars.
But Aragones insists the 24-year-old is in his thoughts and that he does not have to leave Everton to try and force his way into the international set-up.
Aragones said: “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.”
Although he faces competition with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona's Xavi, Aragones admits Arteta is very close to getting the chance to show what he can do.
And playing for a club with such a rich tradition as Everton has not gone unnoticed by the Spanish boss. Indeed, although fellow countryman Rafael Benitez may have made suggestions to the contrary in the wake of last weekend's 205th Merseyside derby, Aragones is fully aware of the size of Everton.
He continues: "He must keep improving. I think he knows this. 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.
“On average, every year you get between four and five players breaking into the squad. Of course, I will always look to pick the players who are in form.”
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