Born in Valencia, Alejandro Grimaldo joined La Masia at the age of 13 where he witnessed one of the greatest generational talents, Lionel Messi trained from a close range. It is not a surprise that Grimaldo grew up watching Messi breaks records after records in his career.
In an interview with a football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Grimaldo was initially asked about a left back that caught his attention the most. He answered the question by mentioning the Rosario-born midfielder as an opener.
Grimaldo on Messi
“My childhood idol is Messi,” Grimaldo said on Messi. “For me, he is the best player of all time. I grew up in La Masia watching him play in the first team.” He then proceeded his answer by saying Marcelo as his favourite left back.
“When I was growing up as a full-back, you would see him at Real Madrid and for me he is the best full-back (in) recent years. And for me he is the full-back that I’ve identified the most with and the best for me,” he said.
Grimaldo is having the best season in his career so far with Leverkusen topping the Bundesliga table with a 10-point gap from the closest competitor, Bayern Munich. He joined Die Werkself from Benfica last summer for free.
Alejandro Grimaldo trusting Xabi Alonso
Despite being linked with numerous European elites including his former team Barcelona. Some Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs were also after him. But it was Xabi Alonso, who made it difficult to refuse Leverkusen.
“There were contacts with several teams, with teams from the Spanish league, the Premier League and even the French league,” he said. “But I think in the end the most important thing for me in this step was to go to a team where the coach believes in you and then the project as well.”
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Grimaldo has taken part in 33 games for Leverkusen this season so far. His contribution included 11 goals and 11 assists during those appearances. The 28-year old is now in a mission of bringing his club to win three titles possible this season.
Apart from Bundesliga, Leverkusen are also progressing into the semi final in DFB Pokal and are scheduled to face Dusseldorf next month. One other tournament is the Europa League, preparing their first leg of Round of 16 clash against Azerbaijani side, Qarabag FK.
“We’re here to win titles and I believe the team is confident,” he added. “(I believe) Xabi’s help who has won everything as a player. He understands us and ensures the teams perform at the highest level at the most pressured moments.”