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A dream summer for three Cubs

A dream summer for three Cubs

Academy players Luis Bilbao, Adu Ares and Alex Padilla are making the most of their first senior pre-season training camp

Forwards Luis Bilbao and Adu Ares as well as goalkeeper Alex Padilla are in the middle of their first ever pre-season with the first-team after Ernesto Valverde decided they should take part in the Lions’ training camp in Germany.

“A dream” is how they have described their first taste of life as senior professional footballers. It’s been a momentous summer for these three Cubs, with each of them making the most of this new experience.

In just one year, Luis Bilbao, 19, has gone from training with Basconia and playing decisive matches in the Primera RFEF with Bilbao Athletic to now being part of this first-team camp in Harsewinkel.

Luis said: “In one year I’ve gone from playing for Basconia and Bilbao Athletic and now I’m thrilled to be training with the first team in Germany.

“I’ve been at Lezama for many years and my ambition has always been to be in the first team. It’s getting closer and closer, so this experience is a big step forward for me. But I still have to take the most exciting step yet.”

Adu Ares, 20, has followed a similar path to his fellow winger. A year after starting to train with the third team, he is now working with Valverde and the first team ahead of the new campaign.

“It’s my first pre-season with the senior team and it’s very exciting,” Adu said. “At this point last season I was playing for Basconia. Now I’m with the best and trying to learn as much as possible, paying attention to each of their strengths.”

Meanwhile 18-year-old goalkeeper Alex Padilla acknowledged the experience is better than he could have imagined.

“If you’d told me three years ago that I would be here, I wouldn’t have believed it.” Alex added. “I’d have told you that you were out of your mind. For me, being here with the best, it’s a dream. I’m very happy to learn every day.”