CARSON, Calif. -- In the span of a week, Jose Villarreal's life has changed significantly.
Villarreal scored his first professional goal last Wednesday, helping the Galaxy salvage a point in a 2-2 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The goal itself was world class -- which is nominated for MLS goal of the week -- and has helped the youngster draw significant media attention since. On Monday, LA-based reporters caught up with Villarreal ahead of Tuesday's clash against Tottenham Hotspur, a match that the 18-year-old midfielder is expected to play a significant role in.
Villarreal's quotes are below...
(On the reception since his goal…)
VILLARREAL: “It was blowing up, my phone was vibrating in the locker room and I was trying to find a way to shut it off. It was good though; all my teammates just hit me in the head and threw socks at me. It was fun.”
(On his goal…)
VILLARREAL: “There are a couple of guys that can do that, but I’ve just been watching Robbie and obviously you pick up some stuff from them. I’m happy that I picked that up.”
(On playing Tottenham...)
VILLARREAL: “If the chance is there then I’ll take advantage of it, but I’m looking forward to having a good time and enjoying it. Playing against Van der V aart, Bale all those players, they’re great players and it’ll be a great time.”
(On what player he'd most like to face on Tottenham...)
VILLARREAL: “Van der Vaart.”
(On his mentality against Vancouver…)
VILLARREAL: “Before I came in, I was telling myself that I couldn’t be nervous because if I was then I was going to play nervous and that wasn’t going to help the team so just be mentally focused and do what you do.”
(On learning from Keane and Donovan…)
VILLARREAL: “When we’re doing finishing or small sided goals, I ask them what type of movements or how to finish and stuff like that. They obviously tell me and even if I don’t ask then they tell me.”
(On the one thing that training with them has taught him…)
VILLARREAL: “Just speed of thought. When you get the ball, you need to know what you’re going to do before you even get it. Just getting into good spots before you even touch the ball then you’re eventually going to get the ball and do what you do.”
(On the praise since his goal…)
VILLARREAL: “It feels good and I’m very happy. All of a sudden, I have a lot of friends now; I don’t know where that came from. I’m very happy and I appreciate the coaches and family for their support and everyone here from the staff everyone…they all supported me before my injury and now that I’m good, I’m just going to keep going from here.
