“Andrei is a beast, one of the best I’ve seen, just watching his game against Madrid and Vinicius said it all”

If there is a Spanish footballer who can speak about the development of the Euro Cup trend, Andrei Ratiuand the round of 16 matches in between Romania and Netherlandsthat is Jose Pascual Albaknown in football as ‘Easter’. Born in Santa Pola 24 years ago, he joined the lower categories of Valencia at the age of 13 and went to Netherlands in 2020, making it four seasons (ADO den Haag, FC Dordrecht and Almere City). The first is where it coincides Ratiowhich is currently active on Vallecano Ray. Pascu is therefore an authorized voice to review the exciting round of 16 clash between the Romanians and the Dutch. He did so in this interview with Mundo Deportivo.

How is it in Almere City?

I have been there for two years. The first one is amazing. We made history by getting promoted to the First Division for the first time. I was able to participate in all the games. I was very important in the playoffs and the league. In this second season, things did not go as expected. There’s been a system change, a lot of signings and I haven’t played the games I want, but overall it’s been a good balance of two years.

What are your plans for the future?

I am in a period of thinking and looking at what are the best options, so soon I will be able to make a decision and start a new adventure with great desire and enthusiasm. I know the level I have and what I can achieve in football.

Playing in the Netherlands you know them well… How do you see them in the Euro Cup?

I was a little surprised by their classification in the first phase. Yes, it is true that this is a complicated group, but I thought they would pass without much difficulty. We already know the quality of the players and their projects in the Netherlands. Let’s see what happens in the round of 16.

Now they face Romania. You met Andrei Ratiu at ADO Den Haag. What is he as a footballer?

Andrei is now seen in the Euro Cup. It’s true that during the time when we were playing together in Holland he wasn’t able to play in his position and that didn’t help him much, but I can tell you he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen at the back. . In training, in the games he plays, you can see the potential he has and now is when he shows it.

How do you think he has evolved as a player since you met him?

In all aspects of the game. Defensively, you only have to look at the game he played with Rayo against Real Madrid and against Vinicius. With that I think I will tell you everything. And the offensive thing is that he always has the power to climb, to reach, to start. For me he is a complete right back, physically he is an animal and technically and defensively he has improved a lot. Like I told you before, one of the best things I’ve ever seen.

How do you see this Euro Cup?

He gives a superlative degree. And I know he can give more, but it’s also complicated. The teams they play are very strong, the crosses they have… but the level they provide is very high.

What does Romania have to watch out for in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands play very well and like to have the ball. It’s true that they lost Frenkie, but they have world-class players. Xavi Simons, Memphis, Van Dijk… They are a good choice.

What are its virtues and defects?

As a virtue, as I said before, the possession of the ball, the play inside, the midfielders, the two wingers and Memphis, but I think Romania can take advantage of their counterattacks and play a difficult game as they do with the Euro. cup. I think Romania has a chance, at least to fight the Netherlands head-to-head.

Do you dare to give a prediction for that match?

If I had to give one I would say 1-1 or even give the victory to Romania. But I was left with a 1-1 and penalties. And I don’t know what to tell you about punishments…

And be the champion of the Euro Cup?

In the end, I have to go home and I think the champion of the Euro Cup is Spain, without a doubt. Yes, it is true that the crossing is complicated but you always have to believe. And if not, let my friend Andrei take it. Let Romania surprise you. I’d rather see one surprise team win than another.