With the January transfer window now just days away, the usual rumour mill will begin to gain momentum as fans await eagerly for their favourite club to sign new recruits.
One of the latest players being linked with a potential transfer is 20-year-old Valencia forward Rafa Mir, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Real Madrid in January.
Here are four things you need to know about the latest Spanish sensation to hit the headlines.
1. Style of Play
Rafa Mir can operate anywhere across the front line, although his preferred position is as a central striker.
Cutting a tall, slim figure, Mir is elegant in possession with his dribbling a key skill whether he plays centrally or wide.
Mir also has a decent turn of pace and most importantly for a forward, looks composed in front of goal, and is able to score a variety of goals with either foot or his head.
2. Prolific at Youth Level
Currently playing for Valencia’s Mestalla side in Group 3 of the Segunda B Division this season, Mir has proven his quality at that level.
The Spaniard rose to prominence in the 2015/16 UEFA Youth League in which he scored six goals and provided three assists in just seven games for Valencia.
This season however Mir has kicked on, scoring 15 goals in just 19 games this season, which is the reason why some of Europe’s elite are interesting in acquiring his signature.
3. First Team Experience
Mir has limited experience in terms of first team football for Valencia spread over the course of the last few seasons.
He made his debut in the Champions League in the 2015/16 season against Zenit St. Petersburg at the tender age of 18, and has gone on to make a further seven appearances in the Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga collectively.
His position however at Valencia has become strained, refusing to sign a new contract in the summer meant he wouldn’t play for the first team again until he did, paving the way for a potential move to Los Blancos this January.
4. One For the Future
If the speculation surrounding Rafa Mir’s proposed move to Real Madrid is true, then the 12-time Champions League winners have certainly acquired a promising talent for the future.
Moving to the Santiago Bernabeu, Mir is likely to be placed in their Castilla side, but his path to the first team won’t be blocked if he proves he is good enough.
With Zinedine Zidane at the helm, the Frenchman has promoted the likes of Marco Asensio, Achraf Hakimi and Borja Mayoral to the senior squad in recent seasons, meaning that if Mir shows the quality he has, he will get his chance sooner rather than later.
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