Albiol was born in Villamarchante, Valencia. Playing
football was his favorite pastime as a child and Valencia quickly took notice
and enrolled Albiol in their academy. On 24 September 2003, Rafa Benitez gave
Albiol the chance to debut with the first team in a UEFA Cup match against AIK
Solna.
Although his natural position was as a defensive
midfielder, Albiol was changed to a center-back by then Valencia coach Quique
Sanchez Flores and the moved suited the player to perfection. Tall, fast and
strong, Albiol is really known for is his ability to move the ball forward and
to play it safely with the midfielders; a skill he surely acquired during his
days as a midfielder. Albiol also dominates the aerial game, making him a
potential threat during set-pieces and the perfect player to clear balls
crossed into the box.
Raul Albiol’s international debut took place on 13
October 2007 against Denmark. Once June rolled around, the Madridista was
called up by the national team coach to participate in the European
Championship, which he won alongside Real Madrid teammates Iker Casillas and
Sergio Ramos. Albiol also made the cut for the 2010 World Cup of South Africa
and went on to win the title, making history with the rest of his team-mates.
Personal
While
still playing for Valencia, Albiol was among the members of the 2008 European
Championship-winning squad honored in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Honours
·
La Liga: 2003/04,
2011/12
·
Copa
del Rey: 2008, 2011
·
UEFA
Cup: 2004
·
Under-19
European Championship: 2004
·
European
Championship: 2008
·
Bronze
Medal: Confederations Cup 2009
·
World
Cup: 2010
Career
·
Valencia
(2002-2004)
·
Getafe
(2004/05)
·
Valencia
(2005-2009)
