Spanish daily sports newspaper Sport awarded Pablo Fornals an 8/10 rating for the West Ham United midfielder’s performance after helping Spain beat Kosovo 2-0 on Wednesday.
Fornals marked his fourth-cap for La Roja with a goal to follow an assist during Sunday’s 4-0 win over Georgia. The Hammers’ 25-year-old maestro broke the deadlock for Luis Enrique’s side at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri half-an-hour into yesterday’s encounter.
He commanded the left-wing of Enrique’s attack throughout the World Cup qualifying tie to strengthen Spain’s place in Group B. They now top the standings by four points to Sweden after the Blagult lost at Greece, who were previously winless.
Kosovo gifted Fornals plenty of time to establish his presence before the West Ham maestro produced a moment of magic. Spain’s passing was very slow and predictable before he fired home a rocket at the near-post from a tight angle.
The £67k-a-week playmaker collected possession from Alvaro Morata and spun the Kosovo defence to give La Roja a much-needed spark. Fornals – who Spain had not called up since a £24m move to West Ham in 2019 – further grew into the game following his goal, as well.
The Irons ace offered Enrique a safe pair of feet on the ball, rarely turning over possession. He additionally impressed Barcelona-based newspaper Sport by urging his teammates on.
“It is not only the goal – it’s everything he did before and after” they noted. “He did not stop, he did not give a lost ball, he took over the left-wing and pushed his teammates towards the rival goal. A very brave Fornals game that was crowned with a great goal.”
Maiden Spain start to remember for West Ham star Fornals
Wednesday’s win over Kosovo marked a maiden Spain start to remember for West Ham star Fornals. Each of his previous three La Roja caps – one in 2016, 2018 and on Sunday – came from the bench. While last night’s tie almost matched his total game time at 59 minutes.
Fornals earned his latest international outings during Spain’s World Cup qualifiers with his recent displays in east London. David Moyes has started the former Villarreal talent in all three of the Hammers’ opening Premier League games.
The 2019 Under 21 European Championship winner has also delivered under Moyes against Newcastle United, Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Assisting Aaron Cresswell’s equaliser at St James’ Park in a 4-2 win, before netting against the Foxes and Eagles. His strikes also opening the scoring at home to both Brendan Rodgers’ and Patrick Vieira’s sides.
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