Farioli says Gabri Veiga has what it takes to join Spain

Francesco Farioli believes Gabri Veiga has everything needed to join Spain’s national team. The Porto coach backed the midfielder’s credentials after he was left out of the squad for the Nations League matches against England and the Czech Republic. “It is a question of timing and of the quality already in the squad,” Farioli said, also pointing to the strength of Spain’s midfield.

The coach also praised Veiga’s progress at Porto. He described a player becoming more consistent and better able to recover between matches played every three days. “We are very satisfied with his development; he works hard to improve,” Farioli said. In his view, Veiga has grown and matured, particularly physically. His attitude on the pitch, the coach added, can now influence the team.

The Porto number 10’s figures support that assessment: he has seven goals and five assists so far this season. He was also named the Portuguese league’s best player in August.

Vladimir Gudelj, a Celta delegate, has also voiced confidence in Veiga’s future. He believes the midfielder matured during his time in Saudi Arabia and is now back among the elite of European football in Portugal. Gudelj expects him to keep shining at Porto and to join Spain’s national team.

Veiga, who has made 19 appearances for the under-21 side under Luis de la Fuente, declined to speculate about a possible call-up. “That is not up to me. I am a Porto player and, if the moment comes, it will come; my focus is on Vitória Guimarães,” he said.

The midfielder also spoke of a difficult spell. “I am in a good place, with confidence and energy,” he said, while explaining that he had been very ill and had been taking antibiotics for two days. He also described the psychological impact of the railway accident in Spain and the death of Jesús de Miguel. Veiga said he had dedicated his goal to the deceased.

Farioli believes Veiga’s quality has always been there, but says the player has taken a physical step forward and is emerging as a leader. Spain have made no call-up announcement about him; Veiga, for his part, says his attention remains on Vitória Guimarães.