Alex Valle reveals biggest surprise at Celtic and lifts lid on Greg Taylor rivalry
Alex Valle admits he totally underestimated the size of Celtic.
The Barcelona left-back sealed a season-long loan move to Parkhead in August and has gradually forced his way into the team. The Spain Under-20 starlet knew Celts were one of the biggest clubs in the UK but has been blown away by the passion and noise of the fans. And after sampling the red-hot the Old Firm and Champions League atmospheres, Valle is bracing himself for the chilly winter weather in Glasgow.
The youngster said: "If I had to pick one thing that has surprised me I would choose that Celtic is maybe bigger than I thought. I thought it wasn't quite that big, and I didn't expect such an atmosphere like the one we experienced at Paradise. The level of the game here in training and in each game as well is awesome. So, yeah, I'm really happy.
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"I like living in Scotland. The weather is getting worse every day. But I have to wait until November or December. They have told me all about that! But Glasgow is a really good city and I'm enjoying it.
"I have close friends from Barcelona, who I talk with every week. They have been asking me about Celtic. Then there is my family as well. They have been coming to Scotland and enjoying it too. So, yeah, I'm happy in a personal way too."
Highly-rated Valle, 20, has provided some much-needed competition for first-choice left-back Greg Taylor. The defender is set to start next week's top-of-the-table clash against Aberdeen as Taylor recovers from a calf injury.
He said: "I don't know Greg's situation right now. I just try to work for myself, and if I have the opportunity to play, I will give my best every game.
"I don't mind if it's Aberdeen or if it's another team. For me, every weekend I try my best and that's it. It's a healthy competition between us. Greg has helped me a lot since I came here. Obviously, for the position, he can advise me really well. He's already a very good friend."