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.