Álvaro Morata
Encyclopedia
Álvaro Borja Morata Martín (born 23 October 1992 in Madrid
) is a Spanish
footballer who plays for Real Madrid Castilla
as a striker.
in 2008 from neighbouring Getafe CF
, finishing his formation two years later, but starting appearing for Real Madrid C
still as a junior. In July 2010, after a successful season with the Juvenil A where he won two youth titles and scored 34 goals, he was promoted to the B team
. Later that month, first team coach José Mourinho
took the player alongside four teammates to a preseason tour in United States
.
On 15 August 2010, Morata made his debut with Castilla in a friendly match with AD Alcorcón
, scoring the only goal of the game. His third division
debut came on the 29th in a 3–2 win against Coruxo FC
, and he scored his first official goal in a 1–1 draw against RSD Alcalá
, on 31 October.
On 12 December 2010, Morata made his debut for the Real Madrid first team, when he was brought on as a substitute for Ángel di María
in the 88th minute of a 3–1 win at Real Zaragoza
. Ten days later, he made his debut in the Spanish Cup
, also coming from the bench in the last minutes. In January 2011, after Gonzalo Higuaín
's injury, Spanish media appointed him to be his replacement in the main squad. However, Mourinho discarded this option saying that "he's not prepared to be in the starting lineup of Real Madrid. He needs to grow up and finish his formation with Castilla". In this period of time, Morata scored five goals in four matches with the reserves, while Emmanuel Adebayor
was being signed to fit the missing striker in the first team.
On 13 February 2011, Morata scored the first hat-trick
of his career, in a 7–1 victory against Deportivo de La Coruña B
. He finished his first season
as a senior with 14 league goals (squad best alongside Joselu
), but Castilla failed to promote in the playoffs
.
for the 2009 FIFA World Cup
in Nigeria
, playing four matches and scoring two goals for the third-placed team. Subsequently, he represented the under-19s
at the Japan International Tournament, helping the national team finish second after the hosts.
Morata was selected by Spain to the squad that appeared in the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
in Romania
, helping the national team win the tournament with six goals, the highest in the competition.
due to his style.
Spain U17
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
) is a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
footballer who plays for Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla is a Spanish football team that plays in the Segunda División B. It is the reserve team of Real Madrid. They play their home games at Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium....
as a striker.
Club career
Morata signed for local and national giants Real MadridReal Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
in 2008 from neighbouring Getafe CF
Getafe CF
Getafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....
, finishing his formation two years later, but starting appearing for Real Madrid C
Real Madrid C
Real Madrid C is a Spanish association football team that plays in the Tercera División. It is the second reserve team of Real Madrid. They play their home games at La Ciudad del Real Madrid in Valdebebas outside the city of Madrid...
still as a junior. In July 2010, after a successful season with the Juvenil A where he won two youth titles and scored 34 goals, he was promoted to the B team
Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla is a Spanish football team that plays in the Segunda División B. It is the reserve team of Real Madrid. They play their home games at Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium....
. Later that month, first team coach José Mourinho
José Mourinho
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho is a Portuguese football manager and the current manager of Real Madrid. He is commonly known as "The Special One".Mourinho is regarded by some players, coaches and critics as the best ever coach in football....
took the player alongside four teammates to a preseason tour in United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
On 15 August 2010, Morata made his debut with Castilla in a friendly match with AD Alcorcón
AD Alcorcón
Agrupación Deportiva Alcorcón is a Spanish football team based in Alcorcón, in the autonomous community of Madrid. Founded in 1971, it currently plays in Segunda División, holding home matches at Municipal de Santo Domingo, with a 5,430 seat capacity....
, scoring the only goal of the game. His third division
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
debut came on the 29th in a 3–2 win against Coruxo FC
Coruxo FC
Coruxo Fútbol Club, is a Spanish football club based in the parish of Coruxo, Vigo, in the autonomous community of Galicia. Founded in 1930, it plays in 2ªB - Group 1, holding home matches at O Vao, with a capacity of 1,200 spectators....
, and he scored his first official goal in a 1–1 draw against RSD Alcalá
RSD Alcalá
Real Sociedad Deportiva Alcalá is a Spanish football team based in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, in the Community of Madrid. Founded in 1929, it plays in Segunda División B - Group 1, holding home matches at Estadio Municipal del Val, with a capacity of 7,000.-Season to season:----*19 seasons in...
, on 31 October.
On 12 December 2010, Morata made his debut for the Real Madrid first team, when he was brought on as a substitute for Ángel di María
Ángel Di María
Ángel Fabián di María Hernández is an Argentine footballer who currently plays as a winger for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and the Argentine national team...
in the 88th minute of a 3–1 win at Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points...
. Ten days later, he made his debut in the Spanish Cup
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, also coming from the bench in the last minutes. In January 2011, after Gonzalo Higuaín
Gonzalo Higuaín
Gonzalo Gerardo "El Pipita" Higuaín is an Argentine professional footballer. He was born in France, attaining Argentine citizenship in 2007, and now holding dual nationality...
's injury, Spanish media appointed him to be his replacement in the main squad. However, Mourinho discarded this option saying that "he's not prepared to be in the starting lineup of Real Madrid. He needs to grow up and finish his formation with Castilla". In this period of time, Morata scored five goals in four matches with the reserves, while Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor
Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor is a Togolese footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur as a striker on loan from Manchester City. He plays in the same position for the Togo national team. Adebayor previously played for Metz, Monaco and Arsenal and was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2008...
was being signed to fit the missing striker in the first team.
On 13 February 2011, Morata scored the first hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
of his career, in a 7–1 victory against Deportivo de La Coruña B
Deportivo de La Coruña B
Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña B, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in A Coruña, in the autonomous community of Galicia. It is the reserve team of Deportivo de La Coruña....
. He finished his first season
2010–11 Segunda División
-Personnel and sponsorship:-Managerial changes:-League table:||style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=11 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|-Positions by round:Source: -Results:...
as a senior with 14 league goals (squad best alongside Joselu
Joselu
José Luís Sanmartín Mato, aka Joselu , is a Spanish footballer who plays for Real Madrid Castilla as a striker.-Early life:...
), but Castilla failed to promote in the playoffs
2010–11 Segunda División Play-Off
The Segunda División playoffs are the Final playoffs for promotion to the Liga Adelante. The four first placed teams in each of the four Segunda División B groups play the Playoffs de Ascenso and the four last placed teams in Segunda División are relegated to Segunda División B.-Format:The four...
.
International career
Morata was called by the Spanish under-17 teamSpain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
for the 2009 FIFA World Cup
2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the thirteenth tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria from October 24 to November 15, 2009.The tournament was won by Switzerland, beating 1-0 the host team, Nigeria...
in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, playing four matches and scoring two goals for the third-placed team. Subsequently, he represented the under-19s
Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
at the Japan International Tournament, helping the national team finish second after the hosts.
Morata was selected by Spain to the squad that appeared in the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:----The match was scheduled to be played on July 20, but was abandoned after 15 minutes, due to adverse weather conditions while Spain was leading 1–0 after a goal from Álvaro Morata...
in Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, helping the national team win the tournament with six goals, the highest in the competition.
Playing style
Good in the air and at holding up the ball, with clinical finishing ability and excellent movement, Morata drew comparisons to legendary Spaniard and former Real Madrid talisman Fernando MorientesFernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes Sánchez is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a striker.His main asset was his aerial and strong goalscoring abilities. He played for a number of clubs throughout his career, including Real Madrid, Monaco, Liverpool, and Valencia...
due to his style.
Club statistics
- Accurate as of 20 November 2011.
Club Season League1 Cup Continental Total Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Real Madrid Castilla Real Madrid CastillaReal Madrid Castilla is a Spanish football team that plays in the Segunda División B. It is the reserve team of Real Madrid. They play their home games at Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium....2010–11 2010–11 Segunda División BThe 2010–11 Segunda División B season is the 80th since its establishment. The first matches of the season were played on 28 August 2010, and the season ended on 26 June 2011 with the promotion play-off finals.- Group 1:...28 15 — — 28 15 2011–12 2011–12 Segunda División BThe 2011–12 Segunda División B season is the 81st since its establishment. The first matches of the season were played on 20 August 2011, and the season is scheduled to end on 24 June 2012 with the promotion play-off finals.-Group 1:...13 4 — — 13 4 Total 41 19 |— 41 19 Real Madrid Real Madrid C.F.Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...2010–11 2010–11 La LigaThe 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 Total 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 Career totals 42 19 1 0 0 0 43 19 - 1Includes two matches of the Segunda División B Play-Off2010–11 Segunda División B Play-OffThe Segunda División B Play-Off to Segunda División B from Tercera División are the final playoffs for the promotion to Segunda División B. The first four teams in each group take part in the Liguilla.-Format:...
in 2010–11 season.
Country
Spain U19- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20112011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship-Group B:----The match was scheduled to be played on July 20, but was abandoned after 15 minutes, due to adverse weather conditions while Spain was leading 1–0 after a goal from Álvaro Morata...
Spain U17
- FIFA U-17 World CupFIFA U-17 World CupThe FIFA U-17 World Cup, founded as the FIFA U-16 World Championship, later changed to the FIFA U-17 World Championship and known by its current name since 2007, is the world championship of association football for male players under the age of 17 organized by Fédération Internationale de Football...
: Third place 20092009 FIFA U-17 World CupThe 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the thirteenth tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria from October 24 to November 15, 2009.The tournament was won by Switzerland, beating 1-0 the host team, Nigeria...
Individual
- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: Top scorer 20112011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship-Group B:----The match was scheduled to be played on July 20, but was abandoned after 15 minutes, due to adverse weather conditions while Spain was leading 1–0 after a goal from Álvaro Morata...