Liverpool forward Victor Munoz made his competitive debut for Spain in their Nations League win over Croatia
Liverpool forward Victor Munoz speaks at a Spain press conference
Liverpool forward Victor Munoz speaks at a Spain press conference(Image: SeFutbol YouTube)
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Victor Munoz has admitted he is yet to fully process his move to Liverpool as he opened up about his frustration and mixed emotions he felt during the World Cup. The Reds signed the winger in the midst of the summer tournament after activating his £34.5m release clause in his Osasuna contract.
But while he was a member of the Spain squad that went on to win the World Cup, he was unable to make an appearance because of injury.
The 23-year-old, who scored on his international debut against Serbia back in March, won his third international cap and competitive debut off the bench in Spain’s 4-1 victory over Croatia earlier this week.
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And he could be handed his first international start against Czechia on Saturday with Luis de la Fuente tipped to rotate his side as he manages a schedule which will see European teams play four Nations League matches during the expanded September/October international break
It has been a whirlwind few months for Munoz as a result, who has enjoyed a bright start to his Liverpool career and scored on his full debut against Nottingham Forest back in August.
And while he is still adjusting to English football, the forward insists it is a good thing that his switch to Anfield and international exploits with Spain are yet to truly sink in as he revealed how he is already feeling the benefits from moving to the Premier League.
“I think the fact that everything happened so fast hasn't given me time to fully process it, and I think that's good for both me and my family,” he said at a press conference. “You try to enjoy every moment and every stage.
“Right now, I'm in a good moment both at Liverpool and here with the national team, and I'm focused on the next match.
“I think that when you go abroad, you get other perspectives, just like when you're here at home, but I think Spanish players are always valued wherever they are.
“I really like following La Liga. I do notice quite a few differences compared to the Premier League. La Liga is much more tactical, while Premier League matches are much more physical.
“Where I notice the biggest difference compared to past years is the intensity of the training sessions and all that physical work. Honestly, it's very demanding over there and it's helping me grow.”
Munoz is one of eight forwards in a 26-man Spain squad for the current international break, and was left out of the matchday squad altogether for their opener against England.
Facing competition for places outwide from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, he faces a big task to force his way into his nation’s starting XI.
But Munoz is relishing training alongside Yamal and grateful for any opportunities that came his way.
“The truth is I try to learn a lot from him,” he said of Yamal. “He’s a good friend of mine who is with me day-to-day. We share many moments together and being able to have that competition, being able to see him train every day, is honestly a full privilege for me.
“And not just from him, but being able to learn from all the players on the team. That really helps me a lot in my daily work.
“I try to work every day, contribute my grain of sand, try to improve my game. With that work and consistency - which I think characterises me - I will always try to take a step forward, always ready in whatever role helps the team.
“Being able to play any match with this national team, whether starting or coming off the bench, is incredible.
“Just how I am on the pitch (is what De La Fuente has asked of me). Trying to help the team both offensively and defensively, trying to be direct, going one-on-one... basically what I think my strengths are, putting them at the service of the team.
“I don't know what intentions the coach has, but everyone is training well, eager to play, and it will be a complicated match (against Czechia), but whoever plays will surely do very well.
“Playing with them gives you so many advantages; you have so many players nearby to combine with, and I think that enhances my football and helps me.
“I felt very good and was left wanting more (against Croatia), looking forward to the next match, coming to train today. I'm excited and waiting for the next game.”
SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 29: Víctor Munoz of Spain battles for the ball with Josko Gvardiol of Croatia during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Spain and Croatia at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 29, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Victor Munoz of Spain battles for the ball with Josko Gvardiol of Croatia during the Nations League match at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 29, 2026(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Munoz has admitted he felt mixed emotions at injury preventing him from making an appearance for Spain at the World Cup. But after making his competitive debut for his country, the Liverpool new boy is hungry for more.
“Look, it was a lot of mixed emotions,” he said when reflecting on the summer. “Just going to a World Cup is a dream, and winning it with this family is incredible.
“But as you say, I had tough moments. You spend a season doing things well, you get the reward of going to the World Cup, and then you feel your body can't give any more and doesn't reach that match.
“It keeps relapsing, things drag on, and you never feel 100% at any point in the tournament.
“But you try to take the positives: I learned a lot, I learned to know my body - when you're young, you often think you can handle everything.
“In that sense, it helped me mature. Being able to live that experience with my family and friends is something I'll keep forever, along with the joy of having won it.
“It's always incredible to debut in this competition, the Nations League, with Spain. Representing your country in any match or competition is amazing.
“It's true that all those difficult moments you went through come back to your mind - like at the World Cup when you didn't feel right.
“But now I'm in a good moment, both here and at Liverpool, eager for the next match to arrive and to hopefully get more minutes.”
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