Cyle Larin finds his footing for Real Valladolid ahead of Canada's action packed summer | OneFootball

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·17 May 2023

Cyle Larin finds his footing for Real Valladolid ahead of Canada's action packed summer

Article image:Cyle Larin finds his footing for Real Valladolid ahead of Canada's action packed summer

Since his loan move from Club Brugge in Belgium to Real Valladolid in January, Canada international Cyle Larin has been in good form, netting seven goals in his last 15 matches.

In an interview with Jon Arnold from MLSSoccer.com, Larin shared his thoughts on moving to Spain and how the playing style suits him well. He also talked about his experience playing for Orlando City, talking with the phenomenal Ronaldo (R9), and getting ready for Canada's hectic summer schedule.


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"The style of play in La Liga is enjoyable, it's fun. I really connect with the guys well. I don't know, the colors are purple and I scored a lot of goals in purple," Larin said, referring to his time with Orlando, where he scored 44 goals in 89 matches.

"Since I got to Valladolid, everyone's been welcoming, and I settled in nicely. I knew if I could get minutes and play, I would score goals. They know where I want the ball and how I want the ball.

"I've always said as long as you can get me the ball, I will score. That's happened."

And that he did.

In 15 games for Valladolid, Larin has knocked in seven goals, leading his team out of the relegation zone with just four matches to go.

Larin's outstanding performances have drawn the attention of Valladolid owner and Brazil legend Ronaldo. He revealed that the 46-year-old is very supportive and frequently engages in conversations with him in the locker room after a good game.

"It's nice to see a guy who has played at the top level and won the World Cup, one of the best strikers to ever play the game," Larin stated.

"To play under him is exciting. I just have to keep scoring goals, and he'll be happy."

Larin also spoke about his time with Orlando City, where he had only positive remarks about his experience with the Lions and talked about how his teammates at the time helped him make the inevitable jump to Europe.

"It was a stepping stone, coming from college and playing at a higher level. The three years I played there, I played with some great players, some that were at the European level before. It taught me to be professional and do the right things."

Lastly, Larin touched on Valladolid's relegation battle and how the fight is preparing him for the upcoming slate of games for the Canada national team.

"It's different. I've fought for championships before, now I'm fighting to stay out of relegation and help the team stay up. The fans and the atmosphere is nice and wonderful. They push us every game, and the next few games are very important for us to stay up."

As for Canada? Well, Larin thinks their World Cup experience will lead them to great things.

"Going to the World Cup was a great experience, and everyone learned from it," the 28-year-old said.

"We're not done yet.

"We have to show who we are, the great, talented players we have. Everyone wants to win something, to go into these Nations League games and win a trophy and go into the Gold Cup and win a trophy. It's important for everybody, and everybody will be ready to do that."

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