Nacho Monreal has been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season.

Ousting Kieran Gibbs from the left-back spot, the Spaniard would love nothing more than to get back into the Spanish national side, but he realises that he faces a difficult task with a number of younger players seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

Of course, the season that he’s been having this year can’t possibly have gone unnoticed by Vicente del Bossque, the Spain manager, but whether it will be enough for him to make the breakthrough is hard to say.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, the 29-year-old is clearly benefiting from how everything is going for him and his confidence is rising because of it.

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Always a player who was just ‘there‘ – neither remarkably good nor poor – he has certainly made many sit up and take notice this season, especially after he netted the opener at Old Trafford to help dump Manchester United out of the FA Cup.

Monreal said

“I’m very happy with the games that I’ve played.

“This season I feel very well with a high confidence and I’m playing most games. I feel fit so I’m happy with my game.

“I would like to get back and play for the national team but I know it’s very difficult because there are three or four other players at the moment who play left back and they are younger [than me].

“It’s complicated but I’m very happy because I’m playing really well for Arsenal. I will try to do it and if I play for Spain one more time or more, I will be proud.”