Iván García Sala is a young 22 year old engineering student who comes from Moratalaz, a humble working class neighborhood from the southeast of Madrid. But he is also one of the most promising young prospects in the Spanish American football landscape at the moment. He plays primarily as a Slot Wide Receiver and excels on the field thanks to his polished route running technique, physical playstyle, versatility, and a high football IQ that lets him know what the defense is doing at every moment and manipulate it with an efficient hip play in and out of his breaks. He has the potential to be one of the top route runners to come out of Spain in the next few years.
Versatility is Key
Another one of his strengths is his versatility as an athlete. He can ball out on offense, defense and special teams, being one of the most reliable kickers in the entire league. He is the best domestic receiver on his team and stands out in a great receiving core with names such as Ethan L. Fischer (receiving TD leader in the league) or the big signing the Camioneros had mid season, Mason T. Wilfong. Currently, García has 2 receiving Touchdowns entering Week 8, but he is the type of guy that excels in catching the tough passes out of the slot on 3rd down with a reliable set of hands. Along with that, he has converted 10 extra points and a Field Goal up to this point.
Among his most important achievements during his 4 years playing this sport, Iván had a stint with the Barcelona Dragons last summer where he played as a cornerback against some of the top talent this continent has to offer, once again showing his versatility and availability on the field. Also this past summer he was called up to play for the Team Spain (Spanish men's Senior national team) against Israel, where he split snaps as a receiver, cornerback and kicker.
As someone who has seen Iván work on multiple camps and perform first hand in games, I can assure that he is another breed of player. Not just on the field, as a shifty strong receiver with a specialty in disguising between defenders and finding the soft spots. But also off the field, as a hard working guy who is the definition of a student of the game, at any position and always, even now with the high football IQ he has, trying to be better and learn everything he can.
And now he has given an interview reviewing his football journey up to this point:
From Grassroots
Can you share a memorable moment from your football career that truly defines you as a player?
There are several memorable moments throughout my career that have helped me improve as a player, for example winning the Madrid league in my first year as a starter in the team, signing for Dragons in the league with the highest level in Europe and later playing with the Team Spain, among many more.
Where did you grow up, and how has your hometown influenced your football journey?
I am a kid from a humble neighborhood in Madrid, called Moratalaz, where my hobby was going down to the fields next to my house to play soccer with my friends, which taught me many values such as respect.
What sparked your interest in football, and who were your early influences in the sport?
What sparked my interest in football were my friends, since we were 4 kids who wanted to do some contact sport, and we saw some tryouts in Coslada, so we didn't think twice and decided to try. I have to say that I had no idea about this great sport.
The Beginnings of a Rising Star
Can you walk us through your football journey, from your early days to where you are now?
When I started my first year I was training as a Running Back, but shortly after they changed me to Cornerback. The first thing I did was watch videos on YouTube to improve and there was a player that I really liked, Richard Sherman, which is why my current favorite NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks.
A year later they tried me as a Wide Receiver and I wasn't doing bad, so just like before, I started watching videos to help me build my craft. Obviously my favorite player was DK Metcalf even though he wasn't my prototype player, so I also looked at Odell Beckham JR who I most resemble in my game style.
Are there any personal stories or challenges you've faced that have significantly shaped your journey?
A challenge that, personally, I am very proud of is about my team. How it has gone from training 4-10 people (at most) 4 years ago and playing in the Madrid regional league to currently playing in the best division and having a great and expanding roster with an enviable staff.
The Iván García Sala Playstyle
How would you describe your playing style and the skills that set you apart on the field?
My skills, primarily as a route runner and Wide Receiver, focuses on speed and explosiveness with a developed technique throughout the year. I can run fast, but also be a technician out of the slot.
More than Just a Player
Beyond football, what are some of your interests or passions?
Apart from football, as a professional career I'm studying geomatic engineering. I also really like to practice other sports such as paddle tennis, tennis and soccer.
I also like to simply hang out with my friends, play some video games and have a laugh. I try to be a better person every day and help my people with whatever they need.
Discussing Today and Tomorrow
What is your current role within your team, and how do you see it evolving?
The role I have in my team right now is as a mentor. Each year I'm becoming one of the veterans of the team and I try to be an example to follow for the newcomers and a big responsibility especially for the little ones.
To conclude, is there a particular quote or message you'd like to leave with our readers that encapsulates your journey and philosophy?
If the path to what you want is easy, it is the wrong path.
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