Football
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Gerard Deulofeu enjoying Spain U21 captaincy after hat trick in Georgia win

Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu said he is enjoying captaining Spain's next generation after scoring a hat trick for the under-21 side in their 5-0 win over Georgia on Thursday.

Deulofeu's treble in the 2017 European Under-21 Championship qualifier included a swerving 20-yard free kick and an excellent solo effort, with the team's other goals coming from Real Betis playmaker Dani Ceballos and Athletic Bilbao centre-forward Inaki Williams.

Former Barcelona player Deulofeu told media including "El Larguero" that he was enjoying captaining La Rojita and playing alongside other young talents like Atletico Madrid's Oliver Torres and Villarreal's Denis Suarez.

"I feel very good with other players like Oliver and Denis, who are so good on the ball," Deulofeu said. "From the first moment, I have tried to show the lads that this is a team.

"Here we get on very well and you can see that out on the pitch. I want to help the team, be an important player. I always feel very good when I come here, have confidence in myself."

The result puts Spain second in their qualification group ahead of Tuesday's game at leaders Croatia, and Deulofeu said he was delighted with his performance, but already focusing on the next game.

"I am very happy, it's a long time since I scored a hat trick," the 21-year-old said. "But above all happy with the three points, as qualifying is very difficult. Now we will go to Croatia with much more confidence. They have good players like [Alen] Halilovic and [Mateo] Kovacic, so we will see how it goes."

The Catalan, who scored once and set up three more in Everton's 6-2 Premier League thrashing of Sunderland at the start of this month, said he was pleased with the way his transfer from Barca was working out

"Things are going well now," Deulofeu said. "We are playing very well, but we must keep working.

"But we know there is a lot to improve. I am very happy, playing a lot, with the confidence of my coach and teammates. The truth is I must continue like this. [Everton manager] Roberto Martinez has given me confidence, which is the basis."

Spain U21 coach Albert Celades also praised Deulofeu's leadership.

"Gerard has scored three goals, something which does not often happen," former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Celades said. "He is playing very well, he is captain and takes on that responsibility.

"We want to keep going like this in attack, where he stands out, and also in defence where he is improving."

Emerging Athletic star Williams, a reported Everton and Juventus target, also spoke after scoring what was his sixth goal in his last four games for club and country.

"I am very happy with this spectacular form," the 21-year-old centre-forward said. "I hope the run continues, with more goals. This goal is dedicated to my family, and the fans who support me."

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