Paco Sanz makes UD Almería first-team debut in top-flight
The UD Almería 'B' centre-back came on in the 66th minute to replace Radovanović. The 19-year-old player was over the moon: 'This is what I've always dream of.'
UD Almería 'B' centre-back Paco Sanz, who is only 19 years old, has made his UD Almería first-team debut in the Primera Division when he took to the pitch in the 66th minute to replace Radovanović who was beginning to feel muscle discomfort after shaking off recently a major injury.
The Madrid-born footballer, who last season played for the youth team, received a standing ovation when he came out to onto the pitch at the Power Horse Stadium, and far from being nervous, he looked calm and effective in action always supported by his peers.
At the end of the LaLiga EA Sports final game, Paco did not hide his great satisfaction: 'This is what any player dreams about when they start playing football.'
Paco Sanz was grateful for the opportunity that head coach Pepe Mel gave him, but he also thanked his 'B' team gaffer, Alberto Lasarte, and his family, who wholeheartedly supports him. By the way, he is the second UD Almería 'B' player to debut in the top flight of Spanish football following suit Marcos Peña.
Paco Sanz, who has been training with the first team, was named in several first team squad lists, although without actually playing. For this final Matchday, he wasn't meant to be on the team roster because this Sunday, the 'B' team has a crucial play-offs second leg tie in their quest for promotion, but the injury that César Montes suffered last Friday, triggered his call-up. He was not meant to play either for the youth team and would only debut in the top tier in case of emergency such as the discomfort Radovanović felt and the Madrid native being the only centre-back on the bench.