It was in the second of those game, on Tuesday, that Alonso was eventually handed his debut for Spain, coming off the bench to replace Jordi Alba for the closing stages of their 6-1 victory.

‘I’m very proud, it was a very special moment for me and my family but I’m back here now and focusing on a very important game,’ he said. ‘I’m very happy but it’s time to keep working, training well and hopefully I will be on the next list.

‘I’m very grateful to everybody; my team-mates, the manager and all of the staff. They work with the players every day and they’re very important for us.’

Now back with the Blues, Alonso’s immediate focus is on tomorrow’s huge game, the first of two home derbies in an eight-day period, with West Ham United heading to SW6 next Sunday.

We currently trail Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who are fourth, by five points, meaning the game presents us with an ideal opportunity to close the gap.

‘We have a massive game, it’s a must-win I think,’ said Alonso. ‘We are very focused on winning and it will be a very good game, for sure. We play at home and we have to win. It’s a derby against a good team in Tottenham but we are ready.

‘They are a very strong team physically and they have a lot of players with quality. It will be tough, for sure, but I think with the quality we have, and the players we have, if we play our game and do well I’m sure we will get the three points.’