Jesus Vallejo admits he is excited for the ‘challenge’ of fighting for a first-team spot at Real Madrid after returning from an injury layoff.
The 20-year-old initially signed for Los Blancos from Real Zaragoza for €5m in 2015 but was immediately loaned back to the club for a season before spending a year at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The central defender returned to the club this summer but due to injury, his first appearance of the season was for Spain Under-21 against Slovakia on Tuesday night.
“It’s amazing to be at a club like Real Madrid and challenge for a first team place,” Vallejo told reporters after the game.
“It’s the same challenge at Under-21 level when you have to fight for a place in a really strong side, it makes you feel privileged.
“Injuries are part and parcel of football and whilst we all like to be fit, active and playing, it is not always possible.
“I have recovered well and I’m glad to be back with the Under-21 side, it is wonderful to be back.”
Vallejo joins a list of Spaniards including Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio to have been farmed out by Madrid only to later be brought back into first team action.
