Angel Rangel: Michu's Spanish snub could benefit Swansea City

ANGEL Rangel believes Michu's Spanish snub will benefit Swansea City.

Spain's head coach Vicente Del Bosque had indicated that Michu would feature in his country's friendly against Uruguay tonight.

Yet Swansea's top scorer did not make the cut when the squad was announced last week despite scoring 16 times in a sensational first six months at the Liberty.

Rangel reckons his team-mate has done enough to earn an international chance.

But he also thinks Michu's exclusion is good news for his club.

"If it has an effect it will be a positive thing because he knows if he hasn't been called up he has to do even better," said the right-back.

"That brings out the best in people.

"He's motivated and he knows he has to score more goals before the end of the season.

"I don't think it has affected him in a negative way at all.

"And in a friendly he could get injured and that would not help our team."

Michu had been widely expected to win a first cap this evening after Del Bosque came to watch the 26-year-old against Everton last month.

The former Rayo Vallecano player did not net at Goodison Park, but his scoring exploits have made him the talk of the top flight this season.

Widely hailed as one of the Premier League's best buys, the £2.2 million capture has already struck memorable goals against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

His opener against the Blues at Stamford Bridge helped Swansea to a famous Capital One Cup semi-final victory and set up a Wembley appearance against Bradford later this month.

"I am surprised, as is everyone, because if you're in the top ten of the Premier League, in a cup final and one of the top goalscorers, you deserve a call-up," said Rangel.

"I think he's been unfortunate.

"Probably other players have been called up with other achievements that don't deserve it.

"That shows you how difficult it is to get into the national squad in Spain.

"We are unfortunate being Spanish, but we have to take it for what it is."

Playing for Swansea, a club who are only just establishing themselves in the top flight and remain unfamiliar to many on the Continent, may also have counted against Michu.

Swansea are unfashionable when compared to the glamorous big guns of European football.

"I think you have to play Champions League football or for a huge club if you want to play for Spain," added Rangel.

"There are so many good players in La Liga and they never get called up.

"But Michu, with his numbers, should be.

"You see Cesar Azpilicueta. He is a decent player, but he is young, he is at Chelsea so he gets a call-up.

"Michu knows that this was his chance, he hasn't been fortunate, but he will keep working.

"If he keeps up the same numbers for the season his chance will come."

While Del Bosque remains unconvinced, Rangel is in no doubt that Michu is good enough to represent the reigning World and European champions.

"He's shown that and I don't think Spain have got a player like him, with his characteristics," he continued.

"He's an attacking midfielder who can play as a striker as well.

"He's a hard worker when we haven't got the ball.

"He has got all the good qualities to be in the national squad.

"But when the national team win three competitions in a row, it's difficult to make changes."