'I’m ambitious and wanted to make the step up to professional football. UD Almería put their trust in me, gave me the opportunity and I feel I’m in the right place,' said Quim Junyent.

At just 19, he speaks with maturity and confidence, qualities he also intends to show on the pitch: 'I’m growing in confidence and, little by little, I’ll become the best version of myself.'

Responsibility does not worry him because 'I usually handle these situations well'. He has also found adapting to life at the Club relatively easy, explaining: 'My team-mates and the staff have welcomed me really well and help me a lot'. Among them is veteran goalkeeper Andrés Fernández, whom he calls 'my dad here'. Having already made his professional debut after 10 years in the FC Barcelona Academy, he knows exactly what is required: 'You must be quick because the opposition press you a lot. The league is very tough and demanding.'

Asked why he chose UD Almería, he said: 'I saw that it was a competitive Club with a great project. They've got important players who later move on to other clubs in Europe... and the city is quiet. I’m very happy here.' His focus now is clear: 'Work hard, give it my all and make the most of every opportunity I’m given, whether I play 5 minutes or 90.'

The new recruit has gone through a major change, one that has not been easy. He went from La Masia, 'where you’re surrounded by players your age and everything is taken care of for you', to a dressing room 'with footballers of all ages', while also leaving his family behind and living on his own. 'My parents and my girlfriend come to see me, but I also like being on my own at certain times,' he stressed. Quim Junyent is now where he wanted to be, experiencing the reality of professional football.

In his spare time, he watches a lot of football, plays on the PlayStation ® and reads. He is currently reading a chess book, having played the game himself and even been a champion when he was younger. Playing chess 'helps me concentrate a lot', while there are other similarities with football, such as trying to anticipate what your opponent is going to do and making the right move.

When asked about his position, the 19-year-old  explained: 'I can adapt to different positions; I’m a versatile player. I like to have a bit of freedom to move into different areas, receive the ball, get plenty of touches and make the team play.' He can also operate out wide.

Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández, who coached him, have been his idols since he was a child. Nowadays, he also really likes Pedri and Fermín.

Junyent joins UD Almería after winning the UEFA European Under-19s Championship with Spain and being named the tournament's MVP. 'It was spectacular, a unique moment that I’ll always remember, something incredible,' he said about the team's triumph. As for the individual award, he admitted: 'I didn’t even know there was an MVP award.' He was delighted, but quickly put the focus back on the team: 'I was very happy, but football is a team sport and what matters is everyone's work.'