Xavi Quintillà is shining with the first team and now has started four games this season
Xavi Quintillà has burst onto the first-team stage. The Catalan left-back now has played four games with the senior side (two in LaLiga, one in the UEFA Europa League and another in the Copa del Rey), starting all of them and playing at a high level. It is the latest proof of Villarreal’s commitment to the Yellows Academy, which keeps on bearing fruit.
Quintillà underlined his excitement at his current role: “I try and be ready for when the gaffer wants to pick me and I’m at all of the team’s disposition. I am very happy for the three points the other day against Girona, and on a personal level too, because I’ve been waiting for a chance for a long time. I’ve been training with them for a while and both the team and the coaching staff have given me their trust underlined their calmness and I’m trying to play like I did for the B team. I’ve had good games, both against Valencia and Girona, and what I’m trying to do is to be ready for when the gaffer thinks it’s opportune for me to play and I give my all.”
The full-back has played in various position throughout his career. “I’m versatile and I’m always ready to play where the coach asks me to play. I’ve played as a defensive midfielder, as a centre-back, as a full-back on both sides and I’ll always be ready for the manager,” he underlined.
The young defender also highlighted the importance of the three points earned at Montilivi. “We knew that it was a fundamental victory. If we won, we dragged our opponent into the relegation fight. They are three hugely important points from a tough match.”
Regarding this Thursday’s match against Valencia at Mestalla (9pm CEST), Quintillà underlined that the time will go for everything despite the first leg ending 1-3: “It’s a tough position to turn around, but the team will go out to win, to get through. We are really excited to enjoy such a great competition. We put in a complete performance in the first leg, but two late moments condemned us.”
To see Quintillà’s press conference in full (in Spanish), click the video tab.
