Aston Villa’s Andrés García and Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda joined Leeds United’s Mateo Joseph in the Spain U21 squad for this international break.
Mayenda has impressed for Sunderland this season, and that helped him receive a first call up from Spain U21 manager Santi Denia. The Aston Villa defender also joined Spain U21 for the first time.
Joseph has been a regular and was leading the attack in their 2-2 friendly draw against Czech Republic U21. Mayenda replaced the Leeds United striker in the 75th minute while Garcia came on after the break.
Tuesday’s edition of ABC carries an interview with Garcia, who joined Aston Villa from Levante UD in the winter market. The 22-year-old has expressed his delight over being called up by Denia and thanked the manager and his coaching staff.
When asked if the Aston Villa player if he was expecting the call up, he said: “Well, I wasn’t expecting it either. You’re notified by the club that the opportunity might arise. But you know there’s a lot of competition.”
“I was excited, confident in the work I’d done and how I’d been progressing this year. And it was up to the coaching staff, Santi Denia, and those responsible to decide whether to bring me in or not. The opportunity arose. I’m very grateful and ready to show why I’m here.”
ABC asked the right-back whether his move to Aston Villa in January helped him with his call up. When responding to this, he mentioned thee progress made by Joseph and Mayenda at Leeds and Sunderland respectively.
“Yes, it may have been a very important factor. To climb to that level in one of the best leagues, if not the best, is a great showcase. There are a lot more eyes on you, you’re playing against the best, and that’s where you can truly show your level,” García explained.
“But there are second division players like Mateo or the Sunderland lad [Mayenda]. They have a very high level; even though they’re in England’s second division, they’re incredible.
“There may be people hidden in the divisions we don’t know about who also suddenly make a jump. It’s been a small step forward that helps me achieve these kinds of things.”
