Radamel Falcao’s former Coach at River Plate has revealed that even as a young teenager the striker was on the path to greatness.
Current fitness Coach at Valencia Gabriel Macaya worked at the Argentine giants when Falcao first emerged, and felt he was always in the presence of someone determined to reach the top.
“I would say what stood out most then was his systematic obsession with becoming great,” Macaya told AS.
“He was methodical in every workout. He had a passion for football. Since his childhood Falcao has been competitive, greatly, and with much respect whilst also wanting to progress in his profession. At just 15 he was clear on what he wanted and he fought to get it, and he has succeeded.
“And this is despite him suffering a major knee injury. It was complex, really. The ligaments. For many guys it would almost have been the end. But he never lowered his spirits. He attended the club’s medical centre and tried to recover.”
Falcao recovered from that injury and, according to Macaya, is demonstrating all the traits he first showed glimpses of back in Argentina.
“Let’s say over short spaces he is very fast, powerful. And he is intelligent and a perfectionist, he mixes well his physical virtues and tactical ones, reading the game well.
“In the field he can suddenly appear from a hidden angle and if you get caught out it is hard to stop him.”
Macaya’s Valencia welcome Falcao and his Atletico Madrid to Mestalla this Saturday evening.