“I haven’t enjoy my time” – Tottenham man on difficult years, now surprising teammates in training
Alejo Véliz, the young striker who joined Tottenham Hotspur from Rosario Central in August 2023, is finally finding his stride in Europe after a challenging year. Following a brief and underwhelming spell at Tottenham, Véliz was loaned out to Espanyol, where he is now making headlines for all the right reasons.
Véliz’s transition to European football was anything but smooth. After joining Tottenham, he managed only 45 minutes across eight games, failing to make a significant impact. In a bid to gain more experience, Véliz was loaned to Sevilla in January 2024. However, his time there was equally frustrating, with the striker clocking in just 31 minutes from six matches.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s manager, decided that Véliz was not part of his plans for the current season, leading to his loan move to Espanyol. This decision proved to be a turning point for the 20-year-old, who is now rediscovering his form and confidence.
Spanish publication AS reported that Véliz’s journey in Europe had been far from easy, but the young striker is now “happy again” at Espanyol. His recent performances suggest that he has found a club where he can finally showcase his talents.
Last weekend, Véliz scored a dramatic winner in the 96th minute against Rayo Vallecano, securing Espanyol’s first victory of the season. This goal was a huge relief for the player, who had struggled to find the back of the net since his arrival in Europe.
“It was a very big relief,” Véliz said after the match, quoted by AS. “I’ve come from a year in which I have not had a good time in terms of football. I want to thank my family, my girlfriend who always supported me.”
Espanyol’s manager, Manolo González, and the club have shown immense faith in Véliz, which has clearly paid off. The coaching staff trusted him from the outset, and his teammates have been impressed with his finishing skills during training sessions.
Despite having played only a few games, Véliz is already making waves at Espanyol. His goal against Rayo Vallecano was only his second since moving to Europe a year ago, but it has sparked hope for many more to come.
“I made up my mind that maybe it’s just a streak, that the goal wasn’t opening up for me, but I was thinking about contributing as much as I could to the team,” Véliz explained. “I knew the goal was going to come, it came today and hopefully many more to come.”
AS reports that Véliz has quickly won over the Espanyol fans, helping them forget about last season’s star striker, Martin Braithwaite. Braithwaite, who scored 22 goals for Espanyol before leaving as a free agent, left a significant void in the squad. However, Véliz’s recent performances suggest that he is more than capable of filling that gap.
González’s trust in Véliz and the support from his teammates have been crucial in helping the young striker find his feet. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, such as the game against Rayo Vallecano, has already made him a fan favorite.
Alejo Véliz’s journey from a struggling striker at Tottenham to a rising star at Espanyol is a testament to his resilience and determination. While his path in Europe started off rocky, he now seems to have found a club where he can truly shine.
As Véliz continues to grow and adapt to European football, Tottenham will be watching closely, knowing that they may have a gem on their hands when he returns from his loan spell.
For Espanyol, Véliz’s presence is already proving to be a game-changer, and if his current form continues, the Spanish club could have a standout season with him leading the line. As for Véliz, the future looks bright, and his journey is far from over.
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