It has been quite a week for Alberto Moreno. Called up to Spain’s preliminary World Cup Squad on Tuesday, the 21-year-old Sevilla left-back secured a Europa League winner’s medal barely 24 hours later and now sees his name linked with a possible move to the Premier League next season.
Quick and technically gifted, Moreno already has two full caps to his name, having made his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Albacete last October. Demonstrating confidence going forward as well as in defence, the young defender gave Vicente del Bosque’s side the width they had lacked in earlier games.
Moreno has also appeared nine times for the Spanish Under-21 side, gaining valuable experience of tournament football when La Rojita won the European Under 21 Championship in Israel in 2013. His progress to the verge of the World Cup finals is notable for a young man who only made his La Liga debut for Sevilla a shade over two years ago.
Moreno’s confidence is something he gained when Unai Emery took over from Michel as Coach at Sevilla last season. Seeing what the youngster had to offer, Emery quickly moved Fernando Navarro into the centre of his defence to give Moreno the chance to shine at left-back. The Sevillano gratefully seized the opportunity and his attacking instincts have borne further fruit with three goals this season.
A crucial part of Moreno’s game in defence and attack is his strength and athleticism, which sometimes manifests itself as aggression. A typically robust challenge on Miralem Sulejmani in Wednesday’s final brought an early end to the Benfica man’s evening and earned Moreno a yellow card. A reckless challenge on Lima might also have conceded a penalty on another day.
Impressive though he has been, Moreno’s inclusion in La Seleccion came as a surprise to many, who thought Nacho Monreal might get the nod, but the Arsenal man lacks Moreno’s solidity and fully merits preference. Whether Moreno will make the cut on May 25, when Del Bosque whittles his squad down to just 23, could be seen as doubtful with Jordi Alba and Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of him in the pecking order and neither likely to be omitted.
Renewed speculation this week has linked Moreno with a move to Liverpool with the player said to be valued at around €24m. Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to have shown interest, but in Spain the speculation of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu continues to run, with Real Madrid said to be eyeing Moreno as replacement for Fabio Coentrao and back-up for Marcelo if the Portuguese were to move to Manchester United.
Inclusion in the final 23 would enhance Moreno’s reputation further and, no doubt, add to his price tag. Even if he misses out this time, and there is a good chance that he might, future call-ups seem assured.
