Newcastle United youngster Antonio Cordero was denied a dream summer after losing in the final of the U19 European Championship.
Spain were beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands at the Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest, Romania.
An own goal from Spanish goalkeeper Raul Jimenez gave the Dutch their first win in this tournament, meaning Cordero will make the move to Newcastle United as a beaten finalist.
Newcastle will sign Cordero on July 1, with the teenage winger completing a free transfer from boyhood club Malaga despite rival interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in his native Spain.
It was a disappointing evening for the talented teen and to see Spain’s campaign ended by an own goal was cruel, but here’s how he performed.
Antonio Cordero playing for Spain U19s against Romania U19s.
Photo by Alexandra Fechete/MB Media/Getty Images
Antonio Cordero stats as Spain lose U19 Euros final to the Netherlands
Cordero played in 77 minutes of the game in the Romanian capital and had 35 touches in total, while producing a brilliant five key passes.
He hit the woodwork once too, while winning three of his four ground duels.
Six of his attempted eight crosses found the mark. It’d be fair to say the 18-year-old did his part in a tight game, settled only by an unfortunate own goal.
Spain U19 vs Netherlands U19 statistics Antonio Cordero
Minutes Played 77
Hit the woodwork 1
Key passes 5
Touches 35
Ground duels (won) 4 (3)
Crosses (accurate) 8 (6)
Antonio Cordero stats for Spain U19 vs Netherlands U19, data via SofaScore
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Whether Antonio Cordero will make his Newcastle United debut in pre-season
Cordero will likely be afforded some rest after going straight from the league season into an international tournament.
However, such has been the level of his performances for his country, Newcastle fans may be asking whether or not Cordero will make his debut in pre-season.
The teenager could feasibly play a part in Newcastle’s tour of Asia, although that does not seem very likely.
In fact, Cordero is set to leave Newcastle on loan this summer as the club look to get him settled and developing in a first-team context away from St James’ Park.
With that in mind, it could be a while before Toon supporters see him in action.