This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Marc Cucurella recently spoke to Sport and talked about his move to Getafe but also his former teammate and La Masia companion, Carles Alena.
What did he say?
Cucurella is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy who had to go out and seek his fortune elsewhere.
Even though there was a shortage of left-backs at the Blaugrana, the now 21-year-old went on loan to Getafe, where he’s currently playing his football.
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Still, he knows what it’s like to not be given a proper chance at the Catalan capital, so he used this interview to send a message of support and comment on Alena’s current situation at the club.
The 21-year-old has played just 45 minutes for Barca this season.
Here’s what he said in full:
“In football, sometimes you don’t get the chances you deserve, but he’s a hard worker and a great player. When he gets the chance, he will take advantage of it and we will be able to enjoy him. They’re difficult moments.
“But there are always new opportunities in football. It’s true he’s not had chances, not even been in the squad at times, but he’s strong. I spoke to him, I offered my support, gave advice and he knows he has to be focused, even if it’s difficult. With a strong mind, when the chance comes, he will be able to show that he doesn’t deserve his current situation.”
Following Cucurella’s example
Even though Cucurella did say that Alena should have a strong mind and take advantage of the chances he is given in the future, that still doesn’t really solve the problem.
After all, one needs to get chances in the first place in order to take them.
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Alena was picked in the curtain-raiser against Athletic Bilbao back in August but hasn’t featured for the team since.
Taking all of that into consideration, maybe the best possible solution would actually be to follow Cucurella’s example and leave the club on loan in order to turn his fortunes around.
At the moment, his situation at the club, as unjust and surprising as it may be, is not looking likely to change any time soon.
Considering he is still just 21, he will need continuity in order to develop further and reach his potential.
It’s just like Cucurella says in the interview as well: he wouldn’t be the player he is now had he not gone on that loan in the summer.
Game time is crucial and maybe Alena should consider other options, as he certainly isn’t getting what he needs at Camp Nou.