Villarreal's new signing Freeman backed to reach 'world elite' by former teammate Marín
Ex-Villarreal man Adrián Marín gives his glowing assessment of Alex Freeman from Orlando City, comparing the American right-back to a 'Greek sculpture'.
Former Villarreal defender Adrián Marín believes new Yellow Submarine signing Alex Freeman has everything needed to become one of the world’s top full-backs.
Speaking from Orlando City’s pre-season camp, the Spanish left-back offered a proper Bobby Dazzler of an endorsement for his former teammate who’s just completed a move to La Liga.
”Like a Greek sculpture”
Marín, who made his Villarreal first-team debut under Marcelino García Toral, has been playing alongside Freeman at Orlando City since August and couldn’t hide his admiration for the young American:
“He’s a lad with enviable physical attributes in terms of strength, speed and height,” Marín revealed. “I used to joke with teammates saying he looks like he’s been sculpted, like some sort of Greek sculpture.”
The 27-year-old Spaniard believes Freeman has “everything to become a right-back at the highest level in the world elite” if he can adapt quickly to Spanish football.
Marcelino factor
Having experienced Marcelino’s methods firsthand, Marín thinks the reunion between his former boss and new club is perfect for Freeman’s development:
“If his adaptation process can happen as quickly as possible and he progresses in what the gaffer demands from him, we’ll be talking about him in the near future.”
Marín praised Freeman’s rapid learning ability and believes Marcelino is the perfect coach to “polish those tactical details” that might need refining in the American’s game.
Life in MLS
The Torre-Pacheco native also discussed his own American adventure, having joined Orlando after spells in Portugal following his departure from Spain:
- Describes MLS as “very competitive, very physical and very talented”
- Believes the league is “growing by leaps and bounds”
- Understands why European clubs are increasingly scouting American talent
While not ruling out a return to La Liga someday, Marín seems content with his current situation: “I’m now where I want to be… I’m excited to be here in Orlando for a very long time.”