UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germanyat Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germanyat Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) — UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germanyat Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Dani Ceballos stars for Spain: Wins penalty and helps create second goal

Sep 6, 2019

Dani Ceballos played 77 minutes of Spain’s 2-1 win over Romania on Thursday, and he had a major role in both his team’s goals.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Making his first start for Spain since March, after spending the summer with the u21s, Ceballos marked his return in impressive style.

Within 30 minutes, the midfielder had won a penalty, which was converted by Sergio Ramos. The Arsenal loanee then played the pass of the match to set up a second goal just after half time.

Dani Ceballos' wonderful hockey assist for Spain's second goal. Also setup the first by winning the penalty for Ramos. pic.twitter.com/9ZcuKoURcj

— Mark Travis (@Mark_Travis) September 5, 2019

Ceballos completed both of his attempted dribbles and all seven of his long balls. He had a 95% pass accuracy, created five chances (including one big chance), and won two free-kicks and one penalty. He also made a couple of clearances and interceptions.

Putting Ceballos’ performance against Liverpool aside, when he simply looked off the pace against the European champions, the Real Madrid player has had a very strong start to the season.

With more minutes over the next few weeks, the 23-year-old should hopefully continue to impress as Arsenal look to gain a bit of early ground on their top-four rivals. For now, he’ll prepare for Spain’s second fixture against the Faroe Islands.