20-year-old Barcelona defender speaks about his future after starring vs Real Madrid: “I don’t think it’s up to me” | OneFootball

A Pau Victor brace helped Barcelona register a dominant 2-1 win over Real Madrid in their second pre-season game of the ongoing USA tour.

Hansi Flick’s side were clearly the better team on the night, registering three big chances to Real Madrid’s one.

Notably, the Blaugrana featured the more rotated side with as many as seven outfield players below the age of 23.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski were the only veterans who started on the night.

Speaking to the media after the team’s win over Real Madrid in New York, La Masia starlet Alex Valle gave his insights on the game, his ambitions and growth as a football player.

The 20-year-old began by recalling how it felt to go head-to-head against Vinicius Jr on the wing, especially considering that he did a good job against the Ballon d’Or favourite.

“The duel against Vinicius? It was crazy, to be honest. I was really looking forward to it.”

“I had that little bit of respect, obviously. I know where I am, it’s the highest level,” he added.

Speaking on his ambitions as a footballer and his short-term goals with Barcelona, the youngster said,

“Obviously we want to win everything. I have been at Barça for 11 years and I have played a few Clasicos, but this is the first with the first team. I’m super happy.”

A left-back by trade, it was surprising to see Valle start at right-back against Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s decision, however, paid off as the youngster was one of the best player on the field and even recorded an assist.

“Playing right-back? Well, in the end Flick started trying me there a little before starting the tour.”

“In the end I try to respond with my sacrifice and my work and I try to give everything. Little by little I feel more comfortable,” he added.

Valle spent the 2022-23 and the 2023-24 seasons on loan at Levante. Last season, he made 29 appearances for the team in the second division including 26 starts.

“I think that last season I matured a lot at Levante, I am very happy with last year and this year I have come with enthusiasm, like all those I have started here. I have to wait and keep working, at the moment I’m enjoying it,” he said on his growth at Levante.

Finally, the young defender opened up on his future, saying,

“My future? I am enjoying the tour without thinking too much. The truth is that I don’t think it’s up to me.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo