Manu Vallejo's family were on hand to watch his half-hour cameo against Deportivo Alavés last Saturday at Mestalla, in what was a big moment after they had missed both his debut in the Segunda División and Primera División due to other commitments. The young talent continues to compete to win a regular spot in Albert Celades' lineups, and has all of the required dedication to do so.

Football runs in the family for the Vallejos, as Manu's father Javier was a forward who reached Segunda B level with Marbella. He was a prolific marksman, scoring between 15 and 20 goals per season.

"Manu has overtaken me as if he were an F-18," says Vallejo Sr. "He is more of a hard worker than I was. He creates chances and finishes them, whilst I took advantage of the larger forward; as I was small, I got everywhere, but I lacked my son's hard work and persistence."

The Valencia CF player has never been one for giving too much advice to his sons -neither Manu, nor his brother Álvaro- besides not diving. There is no questioning his dedication to his progeny though, as he took Manu to grounds all around Andalusia during a spell in which he was out injured, just to keep up with the game. He would often remind him that "Many teammates who were better than you have fallen by the wayside," in recognition of his commitment and desire.

"He's never missed a training session, even when he had his brackets changed, had a swollen ankle, or when it was raining. I used to have to try to stop him from training so much, but there was no holding him back," recalls the elder Vallejo.

It is an attitude that will take him far at Valencia CF, where he is progressing steadily in his debut season for the club.