Atlético guard precious Pablo

By Darío López

He has already been touted as perhaps the shrewdest signing of the season in Spain. Since following coach César Ferrando from Albacete Balmpié to join Club Atlético de Madrid last summer, 23-year-old central defender Pablo Ibáñez has been in magnificent form week in, week out.

Towering defender
Standing at a towering 1.92m, Pablo has formed a formidable partnership in Atlético's defence with Colombian international Luis Perea since heading to Madrid for €3m, and Spain coach Luis Aragonés is among an increasing number of major figures keeping close tabs on him.

'Lightning speed'
"Everything has gone at lightning speed," Pablo told uefa.com. "Even during the short time that I have spent at Atléti, it seems that everything is coming together. But in reality, I still haven't done anything, I haven't won anything. My dream is to be able to carry on and win the title here with Atleti."

Big dream
That may seem like a big dream at the moment, but after a 1-0 win against Valencia CF at the weekend, Ferrando's men are within three points of the UEFA Champions League places for next season - a target they may achieve if they can improve on their form away from home.

Away form
"At home, we have been very strong lately but playing away has been a different story," admitted Pablo. "But we are working on it and hopefully will find a solution. We always go into these games with the right mentality, but perhaps we have lacked a bit of luck because we have struggled away from home."

Deportivo decision
Pablo could easily have been playing Champions League football this season had he accepted a move to RC Deportivo La Coruña but as it was he preferred to stand by Ferrando as he moved from Albacete to Atlético. "I have a brilliant relationship with the gaffer," he explained.

Coaching idol
"I would not be playing in the Primera División if it were not for César Ferrando," he added. "He had faith in me to bring me here to Atlético. When he asked me to join, I did not have one single doubt, I wanted to continue working under him and learn more about the game."

Atlético commitment
Pablo underlined that commitment by extending his contract at the Vicente Calderón stadium in February. "I have been treated very well by everyone and when you are happy somewhere, it's much easier to perform," he said. "At the moment, everything points to me staying on at Atleti for many years to come."

Spanish step
With a little luck he could also be a major figure in the Spain side for the next decade. Luis Aragonés has made no secret of his respect for the young defender and Pablo was overjoyed to make his international debut in a friendly against England in November.

Highest target
"It is the greatest thing one can aspire to," he said. "Now it seems that Luis Aragonés has confidence in me, and I must try not to let him down and if I am picked again then I must give everything I have. It's the same with my club, if I give my best then they will continue to have faith in me."

Europe calling
For the moment, Pablo has let nobody down and with a little luck he could be showing off his skills among the best clubs in Europe next season.