After spending a year and a half at Granada, Jesus Vallejo has become a different player

The defender is enjoying his football against after a tough time at Real Madrid, and a disappointing loan move at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Vallejos solid for on loan in Andalusia has seen the defender earn plaudits around Spain

After spending a year and a half at Granada, Jesus Vallejo has become a different player. The defender is enjoying his football against after a tough time at Real Madrid, and a disappointing loan move at Wolverhampton Wanderers. His solid form on loan in Andalusia has seen the defender earn plaudits around Spain, and his performances have led to a call-up to the Spanish Olympic football team setup. “It is clear that when you go with the national team, it is to try to add to the collective level and knowing that if we do well, it will have a personal impact on us,” Vallejo told reporters. “I had the experience when I played for Real Zaragoza when I did well with the national team, and Real Madrid signed me.”

The defender interfered with injuries in period at Real Madrid

“Then I was on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, and we did an excellent job with the U21s and ended up at Madrid the following season. Summer tournaments with the national team have always brought me good memories, and I hope this will be another,” the defender added. Injuries interfered with his settling in period at Real Madrid, but he has now missed just five games with Granada in the last 18 months. “It may be that in training, we have learned how to differentiate with the coach when it is necessary to be intense and when to be calmer,” he said. “Reserving myself in training and arriving ready for matches well is something that I’ve learned to do. Preparing myself in training without giving everything in order to arrive with energy in the games. “Enjoying the day to day with the teammates has been key for things to go naturally.”

At the Estadio Los Carmenes, he was able to get regular playing time under Diego Martinez, unlike his time at Los Blancos. “Being available for the coach, and even more so when you have many competitions, is key because you will eventually play. Europa League, LaLiga Santander and the Copa [del Rey], the coach rotated a lot, and by being available and doing well, you will get an opportunity. This was what happened, and I am delighted with how I have done during this year and a half at Granada.” Vallejo is aware that his time at Real Madrid hasn’t entirely gone to plan but insists it has not been as bad as many claim.