A Year of Firsts…

To say that this year has been life changing for me would probably be the understatement of the century. My rookie year in LaLiga has been a wild ride, one that I would do over again and again if I could. On 16th December 2017, I made my debut for the Valencia CF first team when I came off the bench against Eibar. It has been a year of firsts. Let me share some of my new experiences with you.

MY FIRST TRAINING SESSION

Having played for Valencia CF since I was seven, I was already on a friendly basis with most of the first team players, so I was less nervous, more excited. Probably the main thing I have noticed since stepping up from the Valencia CF B team is the physical demand. Both in terms of training, and the games. The level is much much higher. It’s a lot of work, but I really do love our training sessions, and after the initial “body shock”, I’ve already gained something like six kilograms of muscle mass! Better never stops

MY FIRST GAME

Minute 81. The fourth official raises his board. Pereira runs towards me. High five. I’m in. Right wing. My first game against Eibar. It was a great experience. I’ll be forever grateful to Marcelino for believing in me and giving me that opportunity. It was a Christmas present never to be forgotten! Unfortunately we were unable to win on that day, but this is just the start. Watch this space!

MY FIRST START & ASSIST

With four appearances under my belt, Marcelino gave me my first LaLiga start at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao on 28th February – the day before my 18th birthday.

Then, in the 22nd minute I shaped up to feed Francis Coquelin a ball at the back post, but then I changed my mind. Instead, I cut a pass back to Geoffrey Kondogbia on the edge of the penalty area, who took a little touch and hammered a beautiful left-footed finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.