Grande: Munir reminds me of Raul

Vicente del Bosque’s No.2 says that the Barcelona starlet shares many of the same characteristics as the Real Madrid icon

Spain assistant coach Toni Grande says that the newly-capped Munir El Haddadi reminds him of a young Raul.

The Barcelona youngster was sensationally called into the Roja squad last week as a replacement for the injured Diego Costa – despite having only played two Liga games for club side Barcelona.

However, the 19-year-old made his international debut as a late substitute in Monday night’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia and Grande insists that the attacker is capable of emulating the achievements of a Real Madrid and Spain icon.

“Munir reminds me of Raul at the beginning of his career,” he told Radio Barcelona. “He has similar characteristics – and look how far Raul went.

“The first time I saw Munir live was this summer when he was playing for Barca in pre-season, although [Under-21 boss] Albert Celades had spoken very highly of him, so we knew what he was about.

“With Munir we will make him aware of the difficulties of the challenge he faces. But he has a great future. It all depends on hard work.”

Munir only broke into the Barcelona B team earlier this year but he starred during the senior squad’s pre-season programme and marked his competitive debut for Luis Enrique’s side with a goal in the season-opening win over Elche.

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