Name: Alvaro Morata
Club: Real Madrid
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Striker
Who is he?
A native of the Spanish capital, Morata actually started his career at Real Madrid’s derby rivals Atletico. Indeed he was even a ball boy at the Vicente Calderon. But in 2007, he left the club for another Madrid club, Getafe, at the age of 14. He only stayed for a year before joining Real Madrid’s cantera.
From 2010 until last season, he appeared for Real Madrid Castilla (Real Madrid B) in the lower divisions, where his goal rate proved to be impressive. He found the net 44 times in 83 games.
He also represented Spain’s U17s and U19s at major tournaments during that period. At the 2011 European U19 Championships he was top scorer with six goals as Spain emerged victorious.
Achievements
During the summer, he also proved crucial for La Furia Roja at the 2013 European U21 Championships in Israel where he scored in every group game – often in 1 – 0 wins. He also scored an injury time goal in the semi-final against Norway for the eventual champions, ending up as the tournament’s top goalscorer and being named in the team of the tournament.
At club level, last season was the first campaign in which he made more than one appearance for the Real Madrid seniors. He made 15 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s Real in all competitions 2013/14. His first goal came against Levante (watch below) last November, scoring the winner 60 seconds after being summoned from the bench. His second goal came on his first start three months later against Rayo Vallecano. This season, he is the one of just two orthodox strikers in the Real Madrid squad, acting as a deputy to Karim Benzema. But last night he got his first goal of the season - and it was a crucial one - with the 90th minute equaliser against Levante which paved the way for a late Real win.
Attributes
Unlike the traditional stereotype of Spanish players, Morata is lanky at 1m90, providing a physical presence. He is good at holding up the ball, has good athleticism and is excellent in the air.
But he is also quick despite his height and has earned praise for the intelligence of his movement.
Potential
With Karim Benzema struggling up front for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti may be tempted to thrust Morata into a starting role. When he came in last week’s Derbi Madrileno defeat he came close to an equaliser with an acrobatic volley.
With Real’s propensity to splash the cash for big name players, Morata’s profile may not be big enough for club president Florentino Perez. During the chase for Gareth Bale, there was even talk that Tottenham wanted Morata in part-exchange but he will have been heartened by reports that Madrid rejected this.
