Del Blanco dreams big: «My dream is Europe and the national team» | OneFootball

Mateo Del Blanco’s present form is hard to ignore. Owner of a steadily improving level and a key piece for Unión, the young footballer spoke on the ESPN F12 program, hosted by Mariano Closs, where he shared thoughts on his development, the team’s current moment, and his dreams for the future.

Mateo Del Blanco, from midfielder to full-back: a transformation underway

At 22, Del Blanco explained how his position on the pitch has gradually changed: “My natural position has always been left midfielder, but when I moved up to the first team I started playing as a wing-back, like a wide midfielder. And now with Leo I’ve been playing as a full-back.”

The change was not easy, especially in defensive terms: “These are things I’m learning as the matches go by. There are always details to improve, both in defense and in attack.”

A level of performance drawing praise

During the interview, Del Blanco received plenty of praise for his physical intensity and attacking ability, one of his main strengths. However, the player himself shifted the focus away from the individual and highlighted the collective effort: “It’s team work. My teammates help me a lot, and that makes all of us improve.”

Along those lines, he praised the team’s overall play: “We’ve been doing a great job. Beyond the match against Defensa, in general we’re doing well, and that also brings out the best in each individual.”

Unión, an attacking team with identity

The footballer described the style of play promoted by Leonardo Madelón: “We have a very attacking approach, we create a lot of scoring chances. Sometimes we struggle to finish them off, but I think we’re on the right track.”

He also acknowledged that this attacking mindset comes with risks: “There are moments when we attack so much that maybe we leave ourselves exposed at the back, but that’s our way of playing and it also depends on the opponent.”

Del Blanco highlighted the support of Unión’s fans: “Santa Fe is very football-driven and the people are happy. That pushes us forward and makes everyday life easier for us.”

He also stressed the importance of having kept the core of the squad together: “That helps a lot. We know each other well, and that shows on the pitch.”

Self-criticism and learning

The youngster also referred to the points the team let slip away in recent matches: “We took two points out of nine when we deserved more. Those are details we have to correct.”

And he offered a reflection on the draw against Independiente after being 3-0 up: “These are things that help you learn. Maybe in those moments you have to manage the game better.”

Asked about his future, Del Blanco was clear: “Right now my focus is on Unión. I want to keep growing as a player and help the club.”

However, he did not hide his ambitions: “Like every kid, I dream of playing for a big club and in Europe. And obviously, the national team would be something incredible.”

Learning to get better

Lastly, he focused on his personal growth: “What I most want to improve is the defensive side. I didn’t learn it from a young age, and now I’m incorporating it.”

Along the way, he valued the support of experienced players such as Bruno Pittón and Claudio Corvalán, who are guiding him in his adaptation to the position.

With confidence, talent, and a mindset open to learning, Mateo Del Blanco is establishing himself as one of Unión’s most interesting emerging players. And as his level keeps rising, so do his dreams.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.