British broadcasters have done a great job in recent international tournaments of expanding the range of pundits on their respective sofas.
Much was made of West Ham manager Slaven Bilić’s efforts during Euro 2016, and now ITV have invited another up-and-coming Premier League manager on board.
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka was an obvious choice for England’s meeting with Spain, given his familiarity with both sides of the divide.
The 43-year-old turned out against English opposition during his time as a player with Real Madrid, while he worked alongside José Mourinho in the Spanish capital before moving to the Riverside Stadium in 2013.
A pleasure to be joining @itvfootball tonight at Wembley to analyse England vs Spain. pic.twitter.com/gv5tVOQ1Pp
— Aitor Karanka (@Karanka) November 15, 2016
It’s always good to see a new face on coverage like this, and a lot of fans found this particular face very easy on the eye.
Look at Karanka loving being the best looking on here knowing he's a 10 and all these are a 4 at a push.
— Jose Hammill (@jose_Hammill) November 15, 2016
How cute is Aitor Karanka hahah I love him
— Emily (@emilypalmer369) November 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/JimmyMuir1/status/798615374694612993
Ohhh hey @Karanka #aitor #utb pic.twitter.com/5St63SAZp1
— Steph Wetherell (@st3ph_c0x) November 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/jpeart7/status/798613327916040193
You notice a few things about a man during a studio appearance that you might not have done previously.
https://twitter.com/Middlesbruhh/status/798610514301616128
Though some of the descriptions might have been a bit too specific…
Aitor karanka always has a cheeky smile. like he's left a cracking casserrole in the slow cooker and he knows he's got it to go home to.
— eyeswideshut (@eyeswideshut75) November 15, 2016
Karanka isn’t the first Spaniard to be singled out for his looks by an English audience.
You don’t even have to go back too far – just look at how Nolito’s arrival at Manchester City was covered by the club.
Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live here
