The full back has played every minute in the league so far this season (990 in total)
A linchpin. Mario has played every match in the LaLiga Santander so far this season, racking up 990 minutes in the first 11 matches. The right back from Alicante is one of four Yellows to have been on the pitch for every domestic game so far (Asenjo, Víctor Ruiz and Trigueros). “All footballers like to play. I’m happy to have been able to play so much in these past three seasons and I hope to be able to keep going like this”, Mario commented.
The defender analyzed the Yellows current situation after the international break. This time, due to the great level of competition, he was not called up for Spain along with Sergio Asenjo, but he has not ruled out going again in the future. “There’s always a chance to return to the national team. Today we’ll have to enjoy it on the TV”.
With regard to the next league match against Athletic (Sunday, 8:45pm CET), Mario highlighted the difficulty of playing at the San Mamés stadium. “Our last victory there was a long time ago (11th March 2011, 0-1) and so it’s time to win there again. Athletic are a direct rival and so getting the three points would be really important”, he commented.
Villarreal are the team to have conceded the fewest goals in the LaLiga Santander, with 7 goals in 11 matches. “Our aim is to get a lot of points and maintaining this defensive level of performance will mean just that”.
“We’re going to fight until the end”
How far can this team go? Mario has the answer clear. “We all want to finish as high up as we can in the table, but the reality is there are three teams that are so hard to keep up with. We’re going to fight until the end. To be third in the league at the moment is brilliant for us”.
