Squad: Raul Albiol (18)

Raul Albiol

Albiol was born in Villamarchante, Valencia. Playing football was his favorite pastime as a child and Valencia quickly took notice and enrolled Albiol in their academy. On 24 September 2003, Rafa Benitez gave Albiol the chance to debut with the first team in a UEFA Cup match against AIK Solna.

Although his natural position was as a defensive midfielder, Albiol was changed to a center-back by then Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores and the moved suited the player to perfection. Tall, fast and strong, Albiol is really known for is his ability to move the ball forward and to play it safely with the midfielders; a skill he surely acquired during his days as a midfielder. Albiol also dominates the aerial game, making him a potential threat during set-pieces and the perfect player to clear balls crossed into the box.

Raul Albiol’s international debut took place on 13 October 2007 against Denmark. Once June rolled around, the Madridista was called up by the national team coach to participate in the European Championship, which he won alongside Real Madrid teammates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos. Albiol also made the cut for the 2010 World Cup of South Africa and went on to win the title, making history with the rest of his team-mates.

Data

• Place of Birth: Villamarchante, Valencia
• Date of Birth: 04/09/1985
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 82 kg
• Height: 189.9 cm
• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• La Liga: 2004
• Copa del Rey: 2008, 2011
• UEFA Cup: 2004
• Under-19 European Championship: 2004
• European Championship: 2008
• Bronze Medal: Confederations Cup 2009
• World Cup: 2010

Link

Interview: Raúl Albiol

RAÚL ALBIOL: "WE ARE HAPPY WITH MOURINHO"

Raúl Albiol

"I am grateful to the coach for having given me the chance to play. I have been able to get back into a rhythm and prove that I am prepared for anything."

"Crunch time begins after the Hercules match, when we have games against Lyon and Atletico Madrid. I think the team is in good shape for the tie and for what is left of the season."

"It is important to show that we are capable of playing without one of the best players in the world, but its obvious that we are much better with a healthy Cristiano Ronaldo."

"We are all very happy with Mourinho. I think what really matters is that he got us all to row in the same direction. He has what players think is crucial, and that is to tell you how it is to your face and to push you. He always has us on the brink so that we are always focused and plugged into the team. You have to be prepared at all times."

"Against Milan, the coach told us to take a seat because he wasn’t going to make any more changes, and that is why I went to celebrate with my teammates when Pedro Leon scored. Then I got pulled from behind. It was Mourinho, who had come after me after seeing that I wasn’t on the bench. He saw me, pulled me and I got really scared. We love how he experiences football and the passion he has for this sport."

"Ozil was already a well-known player before he arrived, but perhaps no one expected him to adapt to such an important position so quickly. Mesut is a great person."

"I can’t wait for the Copa final because it is being played close to my home. I used to be ball boy at Mestalla and I remember seeing great Champions League matches there with teams like Arsenal and Leeds United. It is a very special stadium."

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