From the Juvenil 'A' División de Honor to LaLiga SmartBank. This has been the leap Naim García, developed at C.D. Leganés academy, made this Saturday with his debut for the first team at the Reale Arena in their first game of the 2021/22 season for Asier Garitano's men.
A day that the 19 year old midfielder will never forget. Having been playing only a few months ago in Group V of the División de Honor in the youth categories, he joined the first team during their preseason to appear in their starting XI this weekend. Wearing number 34, Naim gave a strong account of himself across the full game, starring in some of the most dangerous attacking moves the pepineros generated.
"Today I've been able to fulfil a dream, and I want to keep growing and acheiving goals"
A dream come true for Naim, who arrived at C.D. Leganés from the youth ranks at Real Madrid C.F., is now in his sixth season at the club. At the end of the match, the youth player was happy but frustrated by the result. "I'm very happy to have made my debut with the first team. It was a surprise to be named in the starting lineup, but once the boss let me know the only thing I had in my head was to enjoy it, make the most of the opportunity and give it everything."
Naim is still ambitious after his first league appearance: "It's a great dream to get called up to the first team, but once you're there you have to give your best, whether you're younger or older, you have to fight and fight all the same. Today I've been able to fulfil a dream, and I want to keep growing and acheiving goals."
Two of the new signings, Doukouré and Quintillà, made their official debuts for Leganés
In addition to Naim, another homegrown player, Diego García, made his first start for the squad, having featured in three official matches last season. Other homegrown players like Javi Garrido, Alejandro Alda, Seydouba Cissé and Marc Echarri also had their first senior call-up, although they were not brought onto the field.
Two of the first team's new signings did, however: Ivorian midfielder Cheick Doukouré, who started the game and played 76 minutes; and full-back Xavi Quintillà, who came off the bench in the 68th minute. José Recio also made his return to the team after his loan spell with S.D. Eibar last season.
