In a short time, Facu González has established himself as one of the current standouts at the VCF Academy. In just a single season he earned promotion from VCF Juvenil B to VCF Mestalla, for whom he has started in each of the opening four matchdays.

Strong, skillful and with a maturity beyond his 17 years, Facu’s performances have led to Valencia CF extending his contract this past Monday.

"I’m very happy and excited," he told VCF Media this week. "These are opportunities that the club have given me, and I have to take advantage of them."

Facu was born in Uruguay in 2003 and arrived in Spain at the age of 4, where he played in youth systems at clubs like UD Vista Alegre and RCDE Espanyol before joining the VCF Academy.

“Being at a club like Valencia CF and being given these opportunities gives me great joy,” he explains. “My family are also very happy. They always tell me that I have to keep my feet on the ground and continue working as I have been doing until now.”

This week, Facu has been able to train with the first team to help them prepare for the game against Alavés -another step up for the teenager.

“It’s another rhythm. The young players all want to be at their level. I feel comfortable with them and am trying to make the most of the opportunity. I have always been tall, but with the older players I have to get used to their more physical play too.”

Whilst he has received plenty of instructions and advice from Javi Gracia at the Ciudad Deportiva, Facu will be back under the orders of coach Óscar Fernández in the VCF Mestalla squad this weekend.

“Our feeling is good, even though the results aren’t coming. I am convinced that they will arrive if we continue working as we have been. This is what the coach has told us: Be patient, and the results will come. We all have the desire to win -and when we don’t get the victory we are annoyed, but we have to remember that we are working well.”