"I feel more comfortable" – Barcelona youngster ready for more first-team opportunities
Barcelona star Alex Valle has opened up about the possibility of being a crucial squad member for his team in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Valle, 20, has lately made his mark with two good performances in the Blaugrana's pre-season tour of the United States. He featured as a second-half substitute in the 4-1 win on penalties over Manchester City before starting the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on August 3.
After Barcelona's pre-season friendly win over Real Madrid in New York, Valle was asked to share his two cents on his experience of playing at right-back. He replied (h/t Barca Universal):
"Playing right-back? Well, in the end, Flick started trying me there a little before starting the tour. In the end, I try to respond with my sacrifice and my work and I try to give everything. Little by little, I feel more comfortable."
Asked to opine on his loan spell at Levante last season, Valle replied:
"I think that last season, I matured a lot at Levante. I am very happy with last year and this year I have come with enthusiasm, like all those I have started here. I have to wait and keep working. At the moment, I'm enjoying it."
Asked about his chances of staying at Barcelona this term, he replied:
"My future? I am enjoying the tour without thinking too much. The truth is that I don't think it's up to me."
Last season, Valle relished a fine season-long loan stint at La Liga 2 outfit Levante. The left-back started 26 of his 29 league appearances, helping Levante register 13 clean sheets in the league along the way.
Hansi Flick makes interesting remarks after Barcelona's latest win against Real Madrid
New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has revealed why he was left unsatisfied with his team's performance in the 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Real Madrid in New York. He said (h/t Barca Universal):
"The win against Real Madrid? Well, we didn't press for the whole 90 minutes. This is a problem. We knew it was a Clasico match even though it was pre-season. I told my players that we want to see an improvement on the pitch compared to what was showed against Manchester City. I believe that is what happened. We did a good job."
In their recent contest against Los Blancos, the Catalans relished 50% possession, registered 11 shots, and completed 491 of 535 passes.
Barcelona will next face AC Milan in a friendly encounter on August 6.