Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Former Real Madrid academy player Victor Munoz has looked back on his time in the club’s youth system and explained what he learned from coming through both Barcelona’s and Madrid’s academies.
Now at Liverpool, Munoz spoke to AS about his development and the difficulty of breaking into Real Madrid’s first team.
His route through the Spanish giants gave him the chance to play at major stadiums, including the Camp Nou and Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, although one famous ground remained out of reach.
Victor Munoz reveals his Bernabeu regret
Munoz was asked whether failing to make a senior appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu was something he looked back on with regret.
The former Madrid academy player admitted that he would have liked the opportunity, but his overall experience at the club remained hugely positive.
“I would have loved to, but just being able to play for Madrid – even if it was at other grounds – was an incredible experience.”
The bigger challenge for Munoz was the enormous competition within Madrid’s academy and the gap between youth football and the first team.
He acknowledged that simply being surrounded by elite talent made the pathway particularly demanding.
“You have to accept that it was difficult.
Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Victor Munoz has compared Real Madrid’s academy to Barcelona’s youth setup. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
“At the start, when you find yourself surrounded by teammates of such high quality, you realise you need to cut your teeth and gain experience, especially when there’s a big step up and you join a team like Madrid.”
Munoz compares Real Madrid and Barça
Munoz has a rare perspective on Spanish football’s two biggest academies.
He spent part of his childhood at Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid as a teenager, experiencing two different footballing philosophies during his development.
Asked whether the academies were noticeably different, he explained that both had left a lasting influence on his game.
“Both are impressive, and I’ve been able to take the best from each.
“As you say, I was very young at Barça, but it allowed me to learn how to play as part of a team and to incorporate into my game the methodology and unique DNA that they try to instil in all the academy players there.”
Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Victor Munoz’s pick for Ballon d’Or is Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Munoz then explained why the more direct approach he encountered at Madrid suited his own qualities.
“At Real Madrid, it’s a different style of play, more direct, and that suited me very well given my qualities. I’m grateful to have been at both.”
Victor Munoz picks Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or
The conversation eventually moved to the Ballon d’Or, with Munoz asked to choose his preferred winner.
His answer was Lamine Yamal, whom he knows from the Spain setup. While Munoz acknowledged that any eventual winner would have earned the honour, he had a clear personal choice.
“I’d give it to Lamine. He’s a teammate of mine in the national team, and I think he’s earned it.
“Whichever player wins it will have done so because they deserve it, but my choice would be Lamine,” he concluded.
De la Fuente’s message to Dean Huijsen after Spain NT return: ‘Must always work with the aim of improving’
Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen among the players returning to the national team.
Spain will play four Nations League matches during the next international break, with De la Fuente naming his first squad since the team became two-time world champions.
There were few major surprises, although Huijsen’s inclusion was notable after the defender missed out on the World Cup.
De la Fuente welcomes Huijsen back
Speaking to the press after the announcement of the squad, De la Fuente welcomed Huijsen back to the squad, along with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who missed the World Cup with injury.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the effort they put in to earn a place in the national team. They work hard and give it their all. They’re a fantastic group, both on and off the pitch,” he said, as quoted by AS.
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Huijsen is back in the Spain squad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
“Both Dean and Fermin – who suffered an unfortunate injury, as all injuries are – can enjoy that experience,” the Spain boss added.
De la Fuente further spoke about Huijsen’s return and explained what he wanted to see from the Real Madrid defender going forward.
“He looks great, which is why we’re betting on him. The player who performs consistently performs better,” he said.
“A footballer must understand that competition makes him better, and that he needs to respect the fact that at certain times, his teammates are playing better,” he added.
The Spain manager also highlighted the competition for places in the squad, saying: “We’re always looking to field the most competitive team possible.
“Dean has to understand, just like the others, that he he must always work with the aim of improving – just as he’s doing now. It will be great for him and for his club.
“There’s a lot of competition. At the World Cup, our centre-backs were the best in the world. We have to really push through that door.”
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Huijsen has started the season well. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Huijsen enjoying a strong start at Real Madrid
Huijsen has emerged as one of the major positives of Real Madrid’s opening weeks of the season.
One of Jose Mourinho’s priorities was to restore the defender to his best level, and the early signs suggest that the plan is working.
Huijsen has established himself as an important part of Real Madrid’s defence and has produced a series of performances that have earned him another opportunity with Spain.
His return to the national team squad represents recognition of that progress.
After missing the World Cup, the Real Madrid centre-back now has the chance to work his way back into De la Fuente’s plans while continuing to develop under Mourinho at Real Madrid.