In our latest episode of Let's Talk we spoke with David López, the latest academy graduate to cement his place in the first team having registered three consecutive starts. Find out what he had to say below:
On his feelings: ‘I'm pretty happy. I've been trying to find consistency for a while, to play several matches in a row. I've managed to do that and I think I've done well. I've had playing time due to a teammate's unfortunate injury, which isn't pleasant. I've tried to make the most of the opportunities the manager has given me. I think I've done what I wanted to do and what I wanted to prove.’
On the work and everything behind it: ‘The invisible training is very important nowadays. Then, being surrounded by family, my partner, my friends. I've had that in abundance and I've had a lot of confidence in myself and, above all, I've worked hard.’
On the example set by Martin Valjent and Antonio Raíllo: ‘I think it's amazing to train and learn from them. I try to learn a lot from them.’
On constant communication with Valjent on the pitch: ‘Yes, we try to talk as much as possible because we're a centre-back pairing that hasn't played together much. I think communication is key. Martin talks a lot and I try to listen to him a lot, pay attention, and so far I think we're doing well. I like that he's persistent, I think it's good that he is.’
On Raíllo's work from the bench: ‘He provides a lot of information and sends a strong message. I think that's always a good thing. If you have Raíllo and you can't use him on the pitch, at least you can make use of him from the bench so he can give his point of view and help out, because he's a man who knows a lot about football too.’
On Vedat Muriqi's words highlighting his performance: ‘I'm proud that Vedat talks about me without being asked. He's spectacular, a magnificent man, a very good teammate and, as a player, a legend.’
On the unfortunate own goal against Atlético Madrid: "It was very bad luck. When it happened, I hadn't seen the ball, I felt it on my face, I was on the ground and I heard the crowd screaming. A lot of things went through my mind, but after five minutes I tried to tell myself: “Look, David, stay calm, it's bad luck. It's not your fault or your teammate's fault”.
On getting that thorn out of my side against Sevilla: ‘Yes, absolutely. On top of that, the team won 4-1 comfortably and it was my first time at Son Moix. Since I arrived from Burgos, I had that thorn in my side that I hadn't played at home yet. So, what better way to get rid of it than a 4-1 victory.’
On playing at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix: ‘It's a dream come true, a source of pride. When I was eleven, I used to go to the stadium every weekend with my sandwich and my brother. So now, being able to play there and defend the club's shirt is spectacular.’
On not getting overexcited: ‘It can play tricks on you and make you rush things, wanting to go at full throttle. You have to take it easy, control your enthusiasm and, above all, you have the advantage of wanting to prove that you're one of the boys, that you're at Son Moix and that you're really keen to play there.’
On role models: "I've paid a lot of attention to Xisco Campos. The captain, how he led, how he played... and then, because of the pairing of Raíllo and Valjent, to them.
On playing in stadiums like Camp Nou: ‘I think all boys and girls who play football dream of playing in these stadiums. And doing so in your team's shirt is truly wonderful.’
On personal confidence: "I don't think you should get too cocky because, at the end of the day, it's just football. Everything can change in a match, and I've only played three in a row. But yes, it feels good, I'm confident, and whenever the manager needs me, I'll always be there to give my all."
On what Jagoba Arrasate says to him: ‘He's put his trust in me, he's given me these three matches, and I'm grateful for that.’
