Adrián
Spanish footballer.
Adrián San Miguel del Castillo, known simply as Adrián, is a Spanish professional goalkeeper who has made a name for himself in both English and Spanish football. Born on January 3, 1987, in Seville, Spain, Adrián's career has been marked by perseverance and steady improvement. He began his professional journey with Real Betis, where he spent the early years of his career, mostly as a backup goalkeeper. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he became Betis' first-choice keeper, impressing with his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area. This led to a move to West Ham United in 2013, where Adrián spent six seasons, establishing himself as a fan favorite and reliable Premier League goalkeeper. His performances for the Hammers earned him a surprise move to Liverpool in 2019, where he played a crucial role as a backup to Alisson Becker, notably helping the team secure the UEFA Super Cup in his debut.
Throughout his career, Adrián has been known for his agility, reflexes, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Despite facing competition and occasional setbacks, he has consistently bounced back, showcasing resilience and professionalism that have endeared him to teammates and supporters alike.
Early life & youth football
Adrián's early life and youth career laid the foundation for his future success as a goalkeeper. Growing up in Seville, he initially played as a striker and winger for CD Altair until the age of ten. A pivotal moment came when the team's goalkeeper left, prompting Adrián to switch positions. This change would shape his entire career. He later joined Real Betis' youth academy, where he honed his skills as a goalkeeper. Adrián's development in Betis' youth ranks was gradual but steady.
He spent time with the C-team and reserves, gaining valuable experience in the lower divisions of Spanish football. During this period, he also had loan spells at Alcalá and Utrera, which helped him gain first-team experience and develop his skills in competitive environments.
Professional career
Adrián made the step up to Real Betis C team, playing in the Tercera División (fourth tier of Spanish football). This was his first taste of senior football, albeit at a lower level. He made 23 appearances, keeping 9 clean sheets. The transition wasn't always smooth, with Adrián making a few high-profile errors, but he showed resilience in bouncing back from these setbacks.
This season saw Adrián split his time between Real Betis B team and a loan spell at Alcalá. For Betis B, he made 3 appearances in the early part of the season, keeping 1 clean sheet. His loan to Alcalá in January 2008 provided him with more regular playing time. He made 5 appearances for Alcalá, keeping 2 clean sheets and helping the team avoid relegation from the Tercera División.
Another split season for Adrián. He started with Real Betis B team, making 14 appearances and keeping 5 clean sheets in the first half of the season. In January 2009, he was loaned to Utrera, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper. He made 13 appearances for Utrera, keeping 6 clean sheets and playing a crucial role in their mid-table finish in the Tercera División.
Returning to Real Betis B team full-time, Adrián was now establishing himself as a key player. He made 12 appearances, keeping 5 clean sheets. His performances were becoming more consistent, and he was developing a reputation for his penalty-saving abilities, stopping 3 out of 5 penalties faced this season.This was a breakthrough season for Adrián with Real Betis B team.
He made 24 appearances, keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets. His consistent performances and improved command of his area were noticed by the first team coaching staff. He was invited to train with the first team on several occasions, signaling his potential for future promotion.Adrián was promoted to the first team squad as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Casto and Fabricio.
He didn't make any first-team appearances but was on the bench for several matches. Unfortunately, his season was disrupted by a severe cruciate ligament injury in November, which required surgery and sidelined him for five-and-a-half months. Despite this setback, Adrián worked diligently on his rehabilitation, impressing the medical staff with his determination.This was Adrián's breakout season with Real Betis' first team.
He made his La Liga debut on September 29, 2012, against Málaga, coming on as a substitute after Casto was sent off. Despite the 0-4 loss, Adrián was named man of the match for his impressive saves. He went on to start the next 31 matches, keeping 11 clean sheets. A highlight of this season was his man-of-the-match performance in a 1-0 home win against Real Madrid on November 24, 2012, where he made several crucial saves.
His consistent performances were key to Betis finishing seventh in La Liga, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. In total, he made 32 appearances in La Liga this season, conceding 50 goals and making 94 saves. His performances attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, ultimately leading to his move to West Ham United at the end of the season.Adrián joined West Ham United on July 1, 2013, signing a three-year contract with an option for two additional seasons.
The move came after he was scouted by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson while playing for Real Betis.His debut for West Ham came on August 27, 2013, in a League Cup match against Cheltenham Town. The Hammers won 2-1, but Adrián conceded a penalty after fouling Jermaine McGlashan, which Matt Richards converted. This early setback didn't deter the Spanish goalkeeper, who was determined to prove his worth.
Adrián's Premier League debut came on December 21, 2013, in a 3-1 loss against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite the defeat, he showed glimpses of his potential. His first Premier League clean sheet came on January 11, 2014, in a 2-0 away win over Cardiff City.As the season progressed, Adrián's performances improved, and he gradually displaced Jussi Jääskeläinen as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper.
By the end of the season, he had made 20 Premier League appearances, keeping 6 clean sheets.Adrián's impressive debut season was recognized at the club's end-of-season awards. He won "Save of the Season" for a fingertip save from Oscar against Chelsea in January. He also won "Best Individual Performance" for the same match and was named "Signing of the Season.
" Additionally, he was runner-up for the "Hammer of the Year" award, narrowly losing out to Mark Noble.Now firmly established as West Ham's number one, Adrián played all 38 Premier League matches this season, keeping 8 clean sheets. His consistency and shot-stopping abilities were crucial to West Ham's improved league performance under Sam Allardyce.One of the most memorable moments of Adrián's West Ham career came in an FA Cup third-round replay against Everton on January 13, 2015.
The match went to a penalty shootout, where Adrián not only saved Steven Naismith's penalty but also scored the winning spot-kick. In a show of confidence, he removed his gloves before taking the decisive penalty, a moment that endeared him to West Ham fans.However, the season wasn't without controversy. On February 11, 2015, Adrián received a straight red card in a goalless draw at Southampton for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
The suspension was later rescinded by the Football Association, although West Ham were fined £30,000 for failing to control their players following the incident.This season saw West Ham move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium, and Adrián played a significant role in this historic transition. He made 32 Premier League appearances, keeping 9 clean sheets, and helped West Ham secure a 7th place finish, their highest in several years.Adrián played in West Ham's last three matches at the Boleyn Ground, including the emotional final game, a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United.
His performances throughout the season were crucial in helping West Ham qualify for the Europa League.Adrián's status as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper was challenged this season with the arrival of Darren Randolph. In July 2016, Adrián signed a new four-year contract with West Ham, showing the club's faith in him. However, he found himself rotating with Randolph throughout the season.
He made 16 Premier League appearances, keeping 3 clean sheets. Despite the increased competition, Adrián remained a popular figure among West Ham fans, known for his passionate celebrations and commitment to the club.The arrival of Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City further complicated Adrián's position at West Ham. He started the season as second choice behind Hart but regained his place in the team in December after a series of impressive performances.
Adrián made 19 Premier League appearances this season, keeping 6 clean sheets. His return to the starting lineup coincided with an upturn in West Ham's form, helping them secure Premier League survival after a difficult start to the season.Adrián's final season at West Ham saw him become second choice to new signing Łukasz Fabiański. He made only five appearances this season, all in cup competitions.
His last game for West Ham came on January 26, 2019, in a 4-2 away defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.Despite the lack of playing time, Adrián remained a popular figure at the club. However, he chose to leave at the end of the season, despite being offered a three-year contract extension. He later explained that he left because he "hadn't played a single game all season in the Premier League" and "didn't feel valued economically either.
"Throughout his six seasons at West Ham, Adrián made 150 appearances in all competitions, keeping 43 clean sheets. He became known for his acrobatic saves, penalty-saving ability, and passionate celebrations. His willingness to learn English and embrace the club's culture made him a fan favorite.Adrián joined Liverpool on August 5, 2019, as a free agent following his release from West Ham United.
His arrival was timely, as he was thrust into action just four days later in the Premier League opener against Norwich City. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffered an injury in the 39th minute, and Adrián made his unexpected debut in a 4-1 victory.His defining moment came quickly in the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea on August 14. After a 2-2 draw in extra time, Adrián saved Tammy Abraham's penalty in the shootout, securing Liverpool's first trophy of the season.
Manager Jürgen Klopp described his performance as "incredible."Adrián made his Champions League debut on September 17 against Napoli. Despite making a remarkable save from Dries Mertens, Liverpool lost 2-0. He played 11 Premier League matches during Alisson's injury absence, contributing to Liverpool's strong start to the season.
However, on March 11, 2020, Adrián faced criticism as Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Atlético Madrid. His goalkeeping decisions came under scrutiny in the 3-2 defeat at Anfield.Despite this setback, Adrián played a significant role in Liverpool's Premier League-winning campaign, making 18 appearances across all competitions and earning a Premier League winner's medal.This season saw Adrián's role reduced as Alisson remained fit for most of the campaign.
He made only six appearances across all competitions, with three in the Premier League.His most notable appearance came in the shocking 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa on October 4, 2020, where he was criticized for his performance. This match highlighted the challenges of being a backup goalkeeper, having to perform at the highest level with limited game time.Adrián's playing time was further limited this season.
He made only one appearance, which came in the EFL Cup third round against Norwich City on September 21, 2021. Liverpool won the match 3-0, with Adrián keeping a clean sheet.Despite his limited on-field contributions, Adrián remained a valued member of the squad. On June 14, 2021, Liverpool announced they had extended his contract, though the duration was not disclosed.
This season saw Adrián make a crucial appearance in the FA Community Shield on July 30, 2022. With both Alisson and second-choice Caoimhín Kelleher unavailable, Adrián started against Manchester City. Liverpool won the match 3-1, adding another trophy to Adrián's collection with the club.However, this would be Adrián's only appearance of the season.
He remained third-choice behind Alisson and Kelleher but continued to be an important figure in training and in the dressing room.Adrián's final season at Liverpool saw him make no first-team appearances. On June 30, 2023, he signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club for the 2023-24 season.Throughout the season, Adrián continued to provide valuable experience and support to the goalkeeping group.
His professionalism and positive influence on the squad were repeatedly praised by Klopp and his teammates.On July 7, 2024, Liverpool confirmed that Adrián would leave the club after five years. His departure marked the end of an era, with the Spaniard having played a part in one of the most successful periods in the club's recent history.Over his five seasons at Liverpool, Adrián made a total of 26 appearances across all competitions.
National team
Adrián's senior international career has been characterized more by potential and near-misses than actual appearances for Spain. Despite his consistent performances at club level, particularly during his time in the Premier League, he has yet to earn a cap for the Spanish national team. This is largely due to the exceptional depth of goalkeeping talent in Spain, with players like Iker Casillas, David de Gea, and Kepa Arrizabalaga often ahead of him in the pecking order. Adrián has been called up to the Spanish national team on a few occasions, most notably in 2016 for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but he remained an unused substitute.
His closest brush with international glory came when he was named in Spain's preliminary squad for Euro 2016, but he ultimately didn't make the final cut.
Player’s style
Adrián's style of play is characterized by his agility, quick reflexes, and commanding presence in the penalty area. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he possesses the ideal height for a modern goalkeeper, allowing him to cover a large portion of the goal. One of his key strengths is his shot-stopping ability, particularly in one-on-one situations where he excels at making himself big to deny opponents. Adrián is also known for his penalty-saving skills, having stopped several crucial spot-kicks throughout his career.
In terms of distribution, he has shown improvement over the years, adapting to the modern requirement for goalkeepers to be comfortable with the ball at their feet. While not as prolific in this aspect as some of his contemporaries, Adrián can reliably distribute the ball and contribute to his team's build-up play when required.