Opportunity knocks for Borja

By Andy Hall

The arrival of coach Carlos Queiroz at Real Madrid CF has proved a massive boost for some of the young players at the Santiago Bernabéu, and 22-year-old midfield player Borja Fernández has taken full advantage.

Youth policy
For this year's European campaign, Queiroz has included 15 players from the youth-team ranks in his squad - once again underlining the club's ongoing policy of blending homegrown talent with expensive stars such as Roberto Carlos, Luís Figo and Zinedine Zidane.

Early debut
Handed his debut by Queiroz's predecessor, Vicente Del Bosque, in a Copa del Rey victory over UD Pájara Playas de Jandía on 10 October 2001, Borja's career was subsequently put on hold as he slipped back into Madrid's B team.

Into contention
However, the current campaign has seen him creep back into contention. He played in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal CF on 2 September and then the 7-2 win against Real Valladolid, and also came on as a replacement for David Beckham in matches against Athletic Club Bilbao and CA Osasuna.

European debut
His biggest test to date however, came in Madrid's UEFA Champions League date with Portuguese champions FC Porto at the Santiago Bernabéu on 9 December. Coach Queiroz pulled the surprise move of fielding Borja from the start.

'Dream come true'
"Playing in Europe in the [UEFA] Champions League is a dream come true - it means a lot for someone like me," Borja told uefa.com. "I arrived at the club at 15 years of age and during my eight years here, it is something that I have dreamt about all along."

Pressure off
With Madrid and Porto having already qualified for the last 16, Queiroz was pleased to be able to give the young midfield player his chance of stealing the limelight. "He just told me to be calm, keep my head and remember to put right all the things that perhaps I did badly in the last match but most of all, to go out and enjoy it," said Borja. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but a clear message had been sent out to Madrid's youngsters.

Opportunity knocks
"There are plenty of talented young players in the squad," Borja explained. "We know that if we are lucky enough to get a chance to play then we have to take full advantage."

First-team graduates
Former youth-team stars like Iker Casillas, Paco Pavón and Raúl Bravo have long-since established themselves among the 'Galácticos' and with Queiroz keen to keep his prospects motivated, there are certainly plenty of great young players waiting in the wings.

New blood
Juan Olalla, José Manuel Jurado and Jordi López look set to feature while winger Juan Francisco Torres - 'Juanfran' - has been making waves with the Spain Under-19 squad at the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, and should play in Friday's final.

Important element
Madrid may be big spenders in the transfer market, but their coach certainly believes that their youth system is far from ornamental. The challenge of breaking into the first team is a massive one, but it seems that the likes of Borja will all get their chance.

'Heads held high'
"In a team like Madrid's, the competition is always strong and chances to play are few and far between and so when our time comes we must go into these games with our heads held high and with the will to win," said Borja.