Inspirational Canales gives real meaning to Spain’s latest friendly
DESPITE the widespread weariness of international football and its frequent interruptions to a congested domestic calendar, two Spaniards had plenty of reasons to embrace playing for their national team in the 1-1 draw against Holland.
Sergio Ramos equalled Gianluigi Buffon’s European record of most international caps, earning his 176th thanks to a five-minute cameo appearance. He will break that record tomorrow when he leads his team against Switzerland as he starts chasing down the world record of 184 caps held by Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan.
The Real Madrid and Spain leader is in pursuit of the insane total of 200, testament to his ability, durability, commitment and pride in wearing the La Roja jersey since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2005.
The other success story against Holland was a less-celebrated Sergio – Real Betis’ 29-year-old Sergio Canales – who scored his first international goal in typical fashion with a calm left-footed finish. He too started his football life as a teenage prodigy when aged 19 he became Jose Mourinho’s first Real Madrid signing in 2010.
It was a classic Madrid capture after starring for Real Santander in their La Liga relegation battle the previous campaign. He joined Los Blancos in the same window as Angel Di Maria, Sami Khedira, Ricardo Carvalho and Mesut Ozil. He was in good company!
Possibly too good, as he only made three starts under Jose in his only season at Real before joining Valencia on a two-season loan.
His star was still burning bright as Valencia are regarded as one of Spain’s major clubs and a more regular place in a starting line-up was predicted. Sadly, that was not the case.
By the age of 25 Canales had suffered three anterior cruciate ligament injuries and consequent surgeries. The first two were in the right knee, both at Valencia, and the third was on the left while playing for Real Sociedad in 2015.
Since joining Real Betis in July 2018 he has, thank goodness, been able to remain injury-free and has shown an incredible level of form, which almost demanded that he received a call-up to Luis Enrique’s team. It was heartbreaking to witness such a talented young player go through the trials and tribulations of an uncertain future but inspiring to see him refuse to give up, against all odds.
It cannot be underestimated the hardship of three bouts of long-term rehabilitation and the doubts that must have gone through his mind regarding whether he was ever going to be the same player.
Therefore it was an absolute delight to see him finally get the rewards of all that hard work and determination, albeit in an otherwise meaningless friendly for everybody else.