Cristian Rivero's Valencia CF idol

Valencia CF goalkeeper Cristian Rivero first took a spot between the sticks aged 8 years old, having previously played as a fullback for the UD Portuarios Disarp del Grao school in Gandia. As a VCF fan, he inevitably looked up to the shot-stoppers at the club during his childhood.

"I liked Santi Cañizares' personality on the pitch and how he organised the defence. He seemed like a different kind of goalkeeper," recalls Rivero, who studied the techniques used by his idol in order to establish himself in the position.

His admiration for Cañizares did not go unnoticed, and he would receive a signed photo of him as his Communion gift. Rivero remembers that "I used to look at it and dream of one day representing Valencia CF like he did."

At a 7-a-side tournament in Maspalomas, he got to see the Valencia CF legend up close, but was too shy to ask him for a photo pitchside or in the post-competition dinner.

As he came up through the ranks at Valencia CF he became a fan of other goalkeepers to develop his style. Manuel Neuer and Vicente Guaita were favourites, along with more recent examples of teammates Jaume Domènech and Cillessen. Daily work with coach José Manuel Ochotorena has helped him to constantly improve, and he is closer than ever to one of his lifelong goals.

"I dream of being able to play for the first team. I have a desire to do it and I'm very excited to have the opportunity," says Rivero.