Spain left-back Gayà on trusting the process

By Roberto Morales

Athens, Nov 10 (EFE).- “We never stop trusting in our method,” says Spain left-back José Luis Gayà ahead of two crucial games against Greece and Sweden, which will decide whether Spain books a place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup or has to tough it out in the play-offs.

Gayá, 26, is a stalwart figure at FC Valencia, where he is captain, and growing one with the Spain team.

As a child he looked up to the likes of Valencia legend David Albelda and Spain forward David Villa.

It was during his youth career that Gayà made the switch from striker to left-back and now finds himself splitting the position with Barcelona’s Jordi Alba.

Despite the uncertainty facing the national side, a team reborn and one that has shone in adversity, Gayà is a sea of tranquility as he sits down with Efe to discuss the challenges ahead and what led him to this point.

Question: Who did you look up to growing up?

Answer: When I was I kid I looked up to forwards, always David Villa because he scored all the goals, he was my idol. Also David Albelda because of what he symbolized as a captain with Valencia, the respect he garnered and how he lit up the fans with values that are now being lost in football — loyalty and commitment.

Q: How was it to switch from striker to left-back?

A: I remember the exact moment that a youth trainer, Vicente Castro, told me that I had to play left-back because there was no-one else and he put me there because I was left-footed. I continued to play well and score goals because I knew how to attack, that’s why I liked it, it wasn’t such a sad change.