Two goals from Santi Cazorla helped Spain confirm their place at Euro 2016 on Friday.

The midfielder has come a long way since he was named in Spain’s squad for the European Championships eight years ago, but is now on the brink of his third tournament and – potentially – a third medal for winning the competition.

Team-mate Cesc Fàbregas is on 99 caps heading into Monday’s game against Ukraine, and Cazorla admitted on Saturday that he also dreams of reaching 100.

“I could never have imagined gaining as many caps as I have,” the midfielder said to the media before Spain’s long journey across Europe. “I’m on 76 and I try to enjoy every day I am with the Spain squad.”

His 76th will go down as one of his favourite, you’d assume. A 4-0 win against Luxembourg featured Cazorla’s second brace for his country, and his first competitive goals at international level since a World Cup qualification game against Estonia in 2009.

Many of his appearances have come as a substitute, as he has competed with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Juan Mata, David Silva and Fàbregas himself for a place in the team. Now, though, Cazorla is more important than ever.

Spain aren’t currently the frightening all-conquering force they were eight or four years ago, but Monday night will be special as they return to the scene of their last trophy.

“We lifted the European championships trophy in Kiev so going back there will bring back many happy memories.”

Much of the squad remains the same, but Cazorla is a bigger part of it now.