He may have arrived in Adelaide as a largely unknown quantity but Isaias Sanchez looms as a player that will not take long to make a name for himself in the Hyundai A-League.
He may have arrived in Adelaide as a largely unknown quantity but Isaias Sanchez looms as a player that will not take long to make a name for himself in the Hyundai A-League.
One of the Reds- two new Spanish off season signings, ‘Issa’ had a low key entry to his new club and surroundings. Hardly a household name, especially on Australian shores, Sanchez was all smiles as he embarks on his first playing stint outside of his homeland for what he declared was a new ‘aventura- (adventure).
Using Assistant Coach Pau Marti to translate, the 26 year old told of how Reds Head Coach Josep Gombau triggered his interest in moving and playing football in Australia.
“It-s a good chance for me, a good experience for my life, and also the country, the lifestyle, the city and the A-League is something I was very interested in trying,” Sanchez said.
“Josep (Gombau) said it was a good chance for me to have this experience because it is not easy to make it, and the fact that Josep came here helps a lot too in making this decision (to come to Adelaide).”
Prior to his commitment to join the Reds, Sanchez started his career at Badalona before heading to Espanyol and then Spanish segunda (second) division club Ponferradina. During is time with Catalunyan club RCD Espanyol he faced both Spanish giants, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in what he described as a ‘once in a lifetime- experience.
Gombau was aware of both Sanchez and his other new acquisition Sergio Cirio when he was scouting for possible imports to bring with him to Adelaide, the players having been products of FC Barcelona-s famed youth system.
Without any available highlight reels or videos of Sanchez in action to go by, coupled with his reluctance to suggest a high profile Spanish player he plays similarly too, Adelaide United supporters will have to wait to see what he brings to the squad.
When asked if he knew any players that were similar to him, Sanchez replied, “I don-t like to compare myself to anyone.”
“I am a team player who can play in some different positions and can adapt to the system and the style that the coach asks me to do.”
Marti believes Sanchez has the ability to be a vital cog in the Reds- midfield brigade.
“We are looking for someone who can control the pace of the game, that can help the team keep possession of the ball and to give solutions in the midfield,” Marti said.
Together with the likes of Marcelo Carrusca, Dario Vidosic, Jake Barker-Daish, Osama Malik and co, it points to exciting times ahead for Reds supporters.
