Rangel aims to impress del Bosque

11th January

In a week where it emerged he is regarded by Fabio Capello as the best right-back in the Premier League, Angel Rangel looks to catch the eye of another international manager this weekend.
Among the keen spectators at Goodison Park on Saturday will be Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, who will be casting his eye on new recruits for the European and World Champions' squad.
After taking the Barclays Premier League by storm following his summer switch from La Liga, Michu has already been tipped to earn a first call-up for a friendly against Uruguay in Qatar on February 6.
But he is not the only amigo in the Swans squad who del Bosque will be keeping an eye on.
Angel Rangel, Chico Flores and four-cap winger Pablo Hernandez will also be hoping to impress enough against Everton to push their case for a national call-up.
It has proved a good week of yet more praise for Rangel, who has risen from the lower leagues in Spain.
The former Terrassa right-back was this week named as the best in the Premier League by former England boss Fabio Capello.
Now in charge of Russia, Capello - who has won seven league titles in two different countries along steering AC Milan to Champions League success - also rated Rangel as the best right-back when comparing the English and Spanish top flights.
High praise indeed for Rangel, but it is del Bosque who he aims to impress this weekend.
"It was really pleasing for me to read about Fabio Capello's comments," said Rangel. "He is a great manager who has enjoyed huge success as a manager.
"For me, it just proves that the things we are doing here at Swansea City are perfect for the individuals and the team.
"The way the team has been playing under the gaffer has really caught the eye, and the team is getting more credit thanks to the performances and results like the one at Chelsea in midweek.
"It has meant more focus on the players - Michu, for example, has done incredibly well since coming here.
"I said when he arrived that he will score lots of goals for us, and that's exactly what he has done.
"But his quality is not just about goals - it's his workrate, his physicality, the perfect timing of his runs into the box.
"So he deserves a place in the Spain squad, in my opinion.
"With Vicente del Bosque at the game tomorrow he will have a good look at Michu, but myself, Chico and Pablo are also hoping to play well in front of him.
"It is a good opportunity for us, and for me it would be a dream to play for my country. I didn't think it would be possible not so long ago, but I hope a good performance against Everton will impress the national boss.
"It will be difficult, I know that, because there are the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa and Juanfran Real Madrid, along with Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta.
"But a call-up would really be something special for me."
Rangel has been enjoying another fine season with the Swans, featuring in 20 games this season and scoring once in the 3-0 home win over West Ham.
Plucked from the third tier of Spanish football in 2007, the 30-year-old has enjoying his sixth season in South West Wales.
His rise to the Premier League has mirrored that of the Swans, and both player and club are continuing to bag further plaudits.
Currently ninth in the league, the Swans head to Goodison Park hoping to break their Everton hoodoo.
The Toffees have never lost to the Swans, and have won all three Premier League encounters between the sides - including a 3-0 victory at the Liberty in September.
And Rangel expects yet another tough, physical test against David Moyes' side.
"We have lost all three games to them since we entered the Premier League, and they are a very good side," said the Spaniard.
"They are a strong team who press very quickly, and they do it very well and play to their strengths.
"But we are determined to get a good result against them and continue our good form.
"We have won at Liverpool in the cup, along with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea in the league, so we have confidence that we can get a good result against Everton."