Valencia's Sofiane Feghouli has revealed he decided to sign for them after sampling the atmosphere at their game against Real Madrid.
Algeria international thriving in more technical La Liga
Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has revealed he decided to sign for them after sampling the atmosphere at their game against Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old joined Valencia in 2010 and, after initially struggling to get a run in the team, was loaned out to Almeria the following year.
However, the Algeria international, who played at youth level for France, is now making an impact in the Primera Liga.
Opportunities
"I was invited to the Valencia match against Real in 2009. After seeing that game, I told my-self: 'I want to play here and nowhere else'," he told
L'Equipe.
"Last summer, I was not necessarily in the coach's plans. But he was happy with me and the way I performed during pre-season training.
"He has given me opportunities and things have gone well since."
Appreciated
Feghouli was highly-rated as a teenager and his sublime skills now seem to be allowing him to flourish in the more technical Spanish league.
He added: "I have quickly improved. La Liga is so intense! I improved on speed and power levels. It all starts from the back, and ball possession.
"This is the main difference between here and what I grew up with in France.
"Here the fans appreciate we don't just kick balls anywhere and people also applaud tackles less than they do in England."
