Álex Calatrava vindicates Castellón’s bold gamble in standout second season | OneFootball

Álex Calatrava’s second season at CD Castellón is exceeding high expectations, with 13 goals and seven assists. The attacking midfielder has placed himself among the division’s elite.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he arrived in summer 2024 and epitomises the club’s talent-first policy under Haralabos Voulgaris. He turns 26 in June after a winding route that saw Parets revive his senior career when he could not find a Tercera side.

A Barcelona schoolboy who later played for Sant Andreu, Damm and UA Horta, he moved on to UE Sants and UE Costa Brava. Atlético de Madrid signed him for their B team, and he stepped from Segunda to Primera RFEF mostly as an impact option.

At Castellón he began from the bench, then earned a starting role under Dick Schreuder and Johan Plat. His rookie campaign closed with six goals and 11 assists.

The club acted early, upgrading his deal in October of that first season to 2028 with a five million euro clause, a decisive move to keep him. They made clear it was clause or nothing, acknowledged his wish to reach Primera División, and pledged to improve his terms, which later happened.

Last summer he extended to 2029, with the clause raised beyond 10 million, and he now leads the squad for appearances and minutes. He offers rare balance, a creative No 10 who works relentlessly for the team.

Head coach Pablo Hernández hailed his match-winning treble in Málaga, highlighting not only the goals but his pressing and effort. He called Calatrava vital and said the reward felt deserved.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo