Edu Pla: 'Opportunities come to players who put the work in'

Edu Pla is about to turn 22, but the Almería-born centre-back has already given himself an early present. After progressing through every youth level at his hometown club, the UD Almería 'B' defender is now tasting life with the first team, earning his reward through consistency and hard work over the years.

In recent weeks, Pla has been training under Rubi with the senior squad, an experience he describes with enthusiasm and humility. 'I'm enjoying it so much and trying to learn as much as possible. I want to push myself to be at the same level as my team-mates, and that only comes from continuing to work hard,' he explained in an interview with UDA Radio.

The young central defender has been involved in several first-team sessions and highlighted how smoothly the transition has been. 'From the very first day everything has been easy, both with the coaching staff and the players. They always look after those of us who come up from UD Almería 'B' and make us feel like part of the squad. That helps you to work harder and better.'

One small conversation left a lasting impression on Edu. 'The other day I was speaking with Nelson Monte and telling him how exhausting it was to be defending all the time. He showed me the opposite side and explained how to enjoy that constant defensive work in training. That is how you learn: by listening,' he recalled. 

When asked about the differences between divisions, Edu was clear and honest: 'You really notice it, especially in the pace, the first touch and everything that happens at a higher speed. But I'm one of those who believes that opportunities come to players who put the work in. At first you feel very far behind, but by learning every day and listening carefully to the coaches and players, you gradually start to feel better.'

Two aspects of first-team training have particularly stood out to him: 'The precision in the details and the atmosphere within the squad. On the latter, he was emphatic: 'I see a dressing room with a very strong connection between the players.'

Edu Pla also reflected on the recent setback against Xerez Deportivo FC. 'It was a hard blow because we competed very well for 91 minutes and in the end the win slipped away in two actions.' Despite that, his confidence in the group remains intact. 'It's vital that nobody loses faith. I'm sure that, despite everything, we are going to pull through. The players believe in it and so does the coaching staff. If we're competitive in those small details that decide matches, we'll achieve our objective.'

When it comes to personal ambitions, the centre-back keeps his feet firmly on the ground: 'Since I was little I have dreamed of making my debut with the first team of my city, but right now my main dream is that we manage to secure league safety with UD Almería 'B.'