Spanish Pearls (I): Pablo Infante
Hi everyone, it's a real pleasure for me to write my first lines at the British version of a dream called Vavel. In this section I'll try to bring you a little more knowledge from La Liga. Every week I'll post a column talking about a sensational player, a hot prospect or a legend to let you know a little more about the past, present and future of Spanish football.
Since Rafa Benítez signed for Liverpool, Spanish football set a link with the Premier League, a good connection that we hope will never end. The young Spanish players found in England a place to kick start their career, where they would feel valued enough to lead their teams to making history. Young prospects like Fàbregas, Fernado Torres and Xabi Alonso have written the best page in Spanish football's history. And it is thanks to the confidence and love they were given in England. Others, like Arteta or Almunia went there to find the love they never found at Spain. Others didn't suceed in their British dream as Xisco , Mikel Alonso oir Luis García. Now, two offensive wingers are enjoying the golden sensations of the country where all started: Silva and Mata are ready and set to be part of the new Spanish golden boys (after being part of the squad that took the World Cup's crown to Spain for the first time).
Let me make an exception since it's my first time here. Today I won't speak of a champion, neither a star, nor a hot young prospect. His name is Pablo Infante and he's a fighter. A little man in front of giants who, despite being a million times bigger than him (in money, and fame terms), end up on Infante's knees. A true gladiator. But as in every good story we have to go back to the beginning.
Miranda de Ebro is a small village located in the province of Burgos, part of the autonomus community called Castilla yLeón. There's a team in that village, called Mirandés which play their trade in Segunda División B (an equivalent of the League One in England). They're the revelation in Spain after they got to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, Spanish devaluated version of the FA Cup. They've beaten three Liga BBVA teams in their way to success: Villarreal, Racing de Santander and Espanyol.
Pablo Infante is a 31 year old striker. He's what we could call the traditional striker. He fights for every ball, he pushes his team forward and he loves making his own plays and goals. He works as a bank assistant 48 hours a week, and then plays for fun (and some money). He's the symbol of his village, and he has now became a role model throughout his country. An example to face reality even when it's hard, even more when it is imposible.
He has scored 7 goals, equalising the record of giants such as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the competition. In the semifinals they lost 1-2 against the great Athletic de Bilbao ( of whom 'ill be speaking soon). But there's one last match left. And these Mirandés' guys, are ready to die fighting to make the final step to the Final.
