Bruno Iribarne: It's quite a challenge for me to be in the first team's pre-season

'It's quite a challenge for me to be in the first team pre-season,' admitted UD Almería Academy goalkeeper Bruno Iribarne, who is only 18 years old. Following his brilliant season at UD Almería U19 'A' and standing out with Spain U19 in the UEFA Euro U19 Championship, the young player has joined the senior squad at the summer training camp in Benahavís. 

 

The Rojiblanco keeper has had practically no break; just a few days after being with the Spanish youth team in the final phase of the European U19 Championship, something that he highly valued. In fact, he said in this regard: 'If you don't have holidays, it's a good sign because it means that you've had a play-off or you've been joined up with the national team. Besides, not having rested to join in the first team's pre-season is a great motivation and joy because it'll help me learn loads.' 

 

His dream is 'to be able to debut with my hometown team in the Primera Division,' although he is fully aware that there is still a long way to go. Be that as it may, having been called by head coach Vicente Moreno is a huge step in this journey. 

 

When the youth player was asked if he had talked to the new UD Almería gaffer, Bruno replied: 'Yes, I talked to him and with his coaching staff as soon as I got back from the Euro U19 Championship and he told me that he had liked my performance in the tournament and that he awaits my inclusion.'

 

Bruno Iribarne made it clear: 'A Primera Division team's training sessions are really demanding,' but he is willing to give it his all, especially when he stressed: 'There are two great goalkeepers in the squad, Fernando and Mariño, and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from them.' 

 

He also shares a table in the dining room with them and sits next to the Murcian goalkeeper, about whom he said: 'Fernando is very approachable and he inspires me confidence.' 

 

The Almeria-born goalie is passionate about watching top-flight football games and apart from looking up to those who are now his team-mates, he has also had Ter Stegen and other Premier League goalkeepers as a role models. Although he admits that he still has a lot to learn, Bruno Iribarne considers himself a quite complete keeper: 'I reckon I'm confident in goal, quick on one on ones and if it happens the situation for that, I can play out from the back.'

 

Bruno and UD Almería U19 'A' were runners-up to Real Madrid CF U19 in the Spanish Cup U19 tournament as well as semifinalist in Euro U19 with Spain U19, great achievements on which he commented: 'Both with my team and with the national team, we were close to taking another step and reaching the top, but looking back now, I'm happy with what I've achieved.'