Porro has thrived in his position as an inverted right-back, but the Spanish national team has often passed him over despite his stellar play throughout the season.

On Friday, March 15, the Tottenham Hotspur Official Website verified that Porro had been called up to the Spain squad for the fourth time as a senior international, following a 12-month absence.

Postecoglou was all praise for his right-back when the news was made public, telling SpursPLAY (via Tottenham Hotspur Official Website, March 15) that “it’s brilliant and well deserved – he’s been outstanding all year.”

“He has put a great deal of effort into improving both his attacking and defensive skills. It’s clear that we have changed the responsibilities placed on that role, but he has adjusted so well—kudos to him—and he has put in a lot of effort.

“I think it’s well-deserved and hopefully he gets an opportunity to demonstrate what he can do. He never let it get to him at any point that he wasn’t on the national team.”

Pedro Porro has a compelling argument to win the title of Tottenham Player of the Year.
It would be quite difficult to argue against Postecoglou’s assessment that Porro has successfully adjusted to his demands.

Following his injury-plagued absences from games against Wolves and Crystal Palace, Porro made his way back into the starting lineup for Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on March 10. He immediately proved his worth by helping his team to their first clean sheet in more than two months.

In the West Midlands, he had a good game. He won three of his five ground duels, made three tackles, cleared one shot, and blocked one (Sofascore).

Porro quickly reminded Spurs followers of his attacking abilities by completing 83% of his passes, two of which were crucial.
Since moving to North London, Porro has demonstrated his offensive ability consistently; this season, he has tallied eight assists, which is a tie for most among all players in the team.

Nonetheless, under Postecoglou, his defence has become much more proficient.
Porro is in the top 7% of Premier League fullbacks this season in terms of tackles won (2.05 per 90), while he is in the 98th percentile in terms of tackles won in the attacking third (0.54 per 90), according to fbref.

Additionally, he is in the 94th percentile for the number of blocks he has made (2.09 per 90), the 95th percentile for the number of passes he has blocked (1.50 per 90), and he is once again in the top 7% of his positional peers in England’s top flight for the number of dribblers he has tackled (1.92 per 90).

Porro is therefore deserving of his spot in the Spanish national squad and will be hoping for some playing time in the coming weeks as he attempts to earn his third cap for his nation.