Filed under: Aston Villa, Everton, Premier League, Football, Introductions
Also known as the Spanish Bieber (not for his singing style, we're told), Sergio Canales is a Real Madrid midfielder who has attracted the attention of several clubs including Aston Villa and Everton, which are both interested in taking the 20-year-old on loan.Canales started his senior career with Racing Santander but his stay with the La Liga club was cut short when Real Madrid paid €6 million for his services. He scored six goals in 32 appearances with Racing but has yet to get off the mark for the Spanish giants, where he has struggled to secure playing time with Jose Mourinho's team.
By way of an introduction, here are five factoids (descriptions doubtless featuring varying degrees of accuracy) about Canales:
- "His coach says he reminds him of a young Rafael van der Vaart; others have likened him to Julen Guerrero, the Athletic Bilbao playmaker whose mania swept the country; some suggest he's like Guti.
"But fear not. Because if Canales has Guti's technique he doesn't have his supreme daftness. He should not be an unfulfilled promise like Guti or, hopefully, disappear like Guerrero. Because, as everyone keeps insisting, while many footballers are an empty warehouse with broken windows and a wonky chair, Canales has 'a fully furnished head'. Still only 18, outwardly timid, there's a look of early Luke Skywalker about him - a small spattering of spots, floppy blondish hair, slight, a little short to be a stormtrooper. Every day, gaggles of girls hang around Racing's training ground waiting for him but as he passes in his Peugeot 207, off to collect his girlfriend from school, ready for his economics lessons, preparing for his exams, Canales is not for turning. He doesn't have an agent, there are no tattoos, no piercing and not a glob of hair gel. He is, writes Alfredo Matilla, 'the son-in-law everyone mother wants'. (The Guardian)
- "Vision, precision, versatility and a stellar left foot best describe Sergio Canales. The youngster tends to play as a midfielder, but he can perform just as well as a striker or attacking midfielder. Born on 16 February 1991, Canales joined Racing's academy at a very early age. He soon gained notoriety for his vision and playmaking skills. Coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muñiz first noticed Canales in 2007/08, the same year in which he debuted against FC Honka in the UEFA Cup." (Real Madrid)
- "Affectionately known to his teammates as 'Peter Pan' (due to his youthful looks resembling the cartoon character) he joined his hometown club at the age of 9 in 2000, after being spotted playing for his local club C.D Augistinos as a young, sprightly midfielder. Such was his talent that at the age of 12 a last minute petition for a change of recipient meant that he was awarded the MVP (most valuable player) award in a local football tournament. His rapid progress continued as his country excelled at the under-17 European Championship winning the tournament in 2007, with his supreme performances being a source of much interest. After the European success he was then named player of the tournament at the Copa Atlantico - an unofficial Championship at under-18 level. With a precocious talent and CV to rival even the best young player, Canales' breakthrough came on the 18th September 2008 as a second half substitute in the 1-0 victory over Finnish side FC Honka in the UEFA cup. His league debut soon followed, 15 days later, ending in the same score-line at Osasuna's Estadio Reyno de Navarra." (A Different League)
- "Canales announced his arrival on the scene two seasons ago with a breakout campaign with Racing Santander, convincing Real to splash out a reported €6m on him. Whilst he initially arrived amidst much fanfare, a combination of injuries and competition for places has seen Canales relegated to virtually a reserve role, making only fifteen appearances in all competition for Los Blancos last season.
"Canales however is still regarded as one of Spain's top talents, and a move to another club and the prospect of regular first-team action could just be the spark to reignite his ailing career." (espnstar.com)
- "An attacking midfielder who can also play wide on the right, Canales sampled international success with Spain at the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Turkey before he had appeared at club level. A product of Racing's youth system, Canales made his debut for his home-town club as a substitute in a UEFA Cup first round tie against FC Honka Espoo on 18 September 2008.
"Made no Liga starts in 2008/09 but enhanced his already burgeoning reputation with six top-flight goals the following season, including both of his team's efforts in a 2-1 win at Sevilla FC." (Uefa.com)
- "Every once in a while, a young lad bursts on to the scene and reminds us all why we love the beautiful game; a player who can dribble without fear, tackle with courage and grab your attention for the full 90. This time around, Sergio Canales might just be that player." (Footy Factor)
In his own words:
"I'm not happy, but I'm not going to leave Madrid, only fight and work hard to get more opportunities," he is quoted as telling AS. "Playing in Madrid is complicated and I knew it would not be easy. I came with enthusiasm and was aware that playing for a big team is very complicated, because there are great players and competition is high. So I have to try to exploit all my opportunities.
"With the team and the coach I am very happy. I wish I had more minutes, but you have to work hard." (Goal.com)
And finally, a few clips of Canales in action:
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