Reina - You can't play like Spain

Liverpool 'keeper says no-one else has quality of Spanish

By William Esler.  SkySports

Jose Reina has warned other countries trying to replicate the success of Spanish football that it is not just as easy as copying their system.

La Liga  champions Barcelona, the majority of whose squad are Spain internationals, have won the UEFA Champions League three times in six years and twice in the last three seasons.The national team are the current world and European champions, their first tournament win since 1964 coming at the latter.

Xavi and Andres Iniesta are at the heart of both the Barcelona and Spain sides and their technical ability is envied throughout the world.

Reina believes that there are specific reasons why Spain play like they do.

Generation

The Liverpool goalkeeper said: "We have found a great generation of players the same age. These players know how to win because they have won already in their club divisions.

"It is not always possible to play our way. It depends on the player and the team and depends on the philosophy you have.

"But not everyone can play as we do because no-one has the quality of players we have."

Spain have a host of quality goalkeepers at their disposal, meaning Reina has only made 23 appearances for his country.

Pride

Reina will be hoping to add to his caps when Spain face England at Wembley on Saturday, but instead of being frustrated at a stagnated international career the goalkeeper takes great pride in the national team's success.

The keeper who did not play a game at the last World Cup added: "Any time you go with the national team you want to win and every time you play England it is a special game.

"The international team has 23 very important players for our clubs but only 11 can start. So we have to take that role when it comes along if you are lucky enough to be there.

"In my particular case it has been an absolute pleasure. We are the champions of Europe and the world.

"To be world champions with my national team is a dream come true and the target of any footballer."