The young prospect showed his happiness at the trust placed in him and minutes given to him by Marcelino

Pau Navarro is one of the most promising academy prospects in recent years. The player from La Vilavella convinced Marcelino in pre-season and has been incorporated into the first team dynamic, getting important minutes, such as those he enjoyed last weekend in the 3-0 win over Deportivo Alavés.

“Despite having played other games, that amount of minutes and playing at La Cerámica was very special. To have the opportunity to play at right-back and do well was very special. I will always remember it. I’ve always come to watch the games and dreamed of playing here one day,” the young defender enthused.

For many fans, the emergence of Pau Navarro has come as a pleasant surprise, although the home-grown player has been impressing his youth coaches since his early years as an academy player, when he underwent a physical change. “I’ve been a right-back in the youth team for many years. It’s a position I know and where I feel more comfortable. I may also have the ability to play as a centre-back. The coach wants me to be ready to play in both positions. And it’s an advantage for me in terms of being able to have minutes from the first minute. I’m taking advantage of it,” explained the Yellows No.26.

Pau Navarro is living a dream, as he himself acknowledges. “I can’t describe playing here in words. Since I’ve been a player at the club, I’ve been coming to the pitch all the time. I’ve seen a lot of players here who are my role models. And to see you play here and look out at the seats where you always watch football and where your family is, it makes you very proud. When you play, you forget everything a little bit. But you always keep it in mind and value it. For me, it’s very special to play at this stadium,” said Navarro.

He has earned the opportunity with hard work and a great performance. Factors that have convinced the ever-demanding Marcelino García Toral: “The head coach gives me advice. He asks me to try to improve every day. He is giving me great opportunities and giving me good words. That is helping me a lot. I’m a calm and focused guy and I think he likes those virtues.”

These impressive experiences have not changed Pau Navarro’s mentality: “I’m really enjoying this season. Although, despite being where I am, I am aware that I must not change. I have to be who I am. I work the same way as I have done all these years in the youth team. That’s what represents me.”

Finally, the defender was happy to be able to help the first team with his performances: “I didn’t expect to be experiencing all this a few months ago. I came here when I was very young and to have opportunities with the first team at 19 years old is incredible. We all dreamed of getting here. It’s a great opportunity and I want to make the most of it.”