Diego Lopez has hailed Real Madrid’s younger guard for breaking through this season after finding his route into the team “very difficult”.
The likes of Nacho Fernandez, Lucas Vazquez, Casemiro and Alvaro Morata have become important members of Madrid’s first team under Zinedine Zidane, whereas their predecessor Lopez was farmed out to Villarreal in 2007 after just 11 appearances, although he returned to compete with Iker Casillas in 2013.
“For us, it was very important [to beat Real Betis]. It was a difficult match that’ll give us confidence,” the Espanyol goalkeeper told Cadena SER.
“The clean sheet’s important for what it means, but the credit goes to everyone.
“I spoke with Adan after the game and he congratulated me. I’m very happy for him. He’s a great goalkeeper.
“Difficulties for canteranos breaking into the Madrid team? It’s always happened and will happen
“At Madrid, their chosen ones are at a world-class level. It’s difficult when you leave the youth team.
“I’m very happy for players like Nacho, Casemiro and Morata, who are at the top of their game and showing that they can be starters because it’s very important [for Madrid] to bet on people of the club.
“It’s very difficult. History has shown that it’s very difficult. You have to fight and they’re doing so in the first team.
“Gradually they’re finding space [in the team] and showing that they can be starters.
“I’m fine at Espanyol. We have a good team, now we’ll see if we can take off once and for all.
“I’m very happy because I’m playing well, things are going well for me. I’m excited about this challenge.
“I’m living very well in Barcelona. There’s a lot of madridistas in Barcelona. It’s a big city.”
