The academy graduate has been named Estrella Galicia MVP for the month of September, finishing ahead of Andrei Radu and Hugo González in the fan vote. A prize awarded by the Celta supporters that highlights the values of hard work and ambition shared by the iconic Hijos de Rivera beer and the club.
The Mondariz-born centre-back opens the season’s roll of honour after making a strong start to the campaign, establishing himself as an important member of the team. A starter in six of the first seven LaLiga matches, he is the outfield player with the most minutes so far this season, a sign of the confidence he has earned since being handed the number 18 shirt at the end of the summer transfer window. “It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice to earn that place in the squad,” Yoel explains, having always been clear about his goal: “You join A Madroa as a child, with a dream of making it to the first team, and achieving that is everything”.
His intensity in marking, his ability to read the game and anticipate opposing forwards, and his growing composure in defence have all played a part in his development during these opening weeks of competition. A progression that has also been recognised by LaLiga, which has nominated him for the September award for best U23 player.
“It’s a source of pride that the fans have considered me the best player of the month. Hopefully many more victories can follow, and hopefully this will be the first of many awards,” Yoel says, while also highlighting the work of the entire team and the confidence shown in him by the coach at the start of the season. Another step forward for a Feito na Madroa talent who continues to grow with the first team and carry the pride of A Canteira onto the pitch in every match.
“I’d like to thank them for this great award and say that I’ll keep working very hard so that good results can come,” adds the academy graduate, who also wanted to thank the entire Celta fanbase for their support and votes, which saw him open his personal trophy cabinet and become the first Estrella Galicia MVP of the season.
Congratulations, Yoel!
