Alex Calatrava is preparing for one of the biggest matches of his career, with the Espanyol midfielder set to face Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old made his La Liga debut just a few days ago and has now reflected on how far his career has come.
In an interview with AS, Calatrava admitted that lining up against Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe on the same pitch feels almost surreal.
‘I used to play with Mbappe on PlayStation’Calatrava was asked whether, six years ago, while playing for Parets in Spain’s fifth tier, he could ever have imagined facing Mbappe in a competitive match.
“At most, I used to play with him on the PlayStation, and now I’m going to play against him,” Calatrava said.
He then spoke about whether having an Atletico Madrid past made him more determined to win against Los Blancos.
“No, the same, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great match,” he said as he laughed.
The Espanyol player acknowledged Madrid’s quality but insisted he wants to treat the occasion normally.
“I know the level and quality they have, but you have to treat it naturally. They are a rival, another team. In football, anything can happen,” he explained.
Cucurella shirt would be his choiceCalatrava was also asked whether there is a Real Madrid player whose shirt he would like after the match.
After thinking about it, he picked Marc Cucurella. “The truth is, I haven’t really thought about it, but I’d like to see a player like that who’s come up through the ranks just like I did.
“Look, I’d like to see someone like Cucurella, yes. I’ve never had any idols, even though I’ve always watched a lot of football.
“The players I identify with the most, because they’re living out a dream that I’d like to achieve myself, are the players on the Spanish national team,” he elaborated.
The choice reflects Calatrava’s admiration for players who have worked their way through less conventional pathways rather than simply emerging as teenage superstars.
The Real Madrid summer signing came through the academy at Barcelona and then had to move to Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Real Madrid are set to face Espanyol in La Liga opener. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
After doing the hard yards at those clubs, he then moved to Chelsea before becoming one of the best left-backs in Spain.
He has now moved to Real Madrid this summer to become a starter at the biggest club in the world.
No fear despite Madrid’s qualityEspanyol face a difficult task against Jose Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid, but Calatrava is approaching the game with confidence rather than intimidation.
He even joked about predicting a home victory, saying he did not want to “jinx” a possible 2-0 result.
Calatrava’s words also offer an insight into how much players grow up admiring players such as Mbappe.
Many of their opponents grew up watching the Frenchman from afar. Now they are sharing the same pitch.
The 26-year-old will be hoping to make an impression when he faces Madrid this weekend, and it remains to be seen how he fares.
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