Juanfran is Spain's main man

By Adam Szreter & Andrew Haslam

Spain have progressed serenely to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, winning all three Group B games to book a last-four meeting with Ukraine in Lausanne. The Spanish have a fine pedigree in youth competitions, and this year's talented crop look to be no exception.

Illustrious names
With the likes of Raúl González, Iker Casillas and Fernando Torres having progressed through Spain's youth set-up to the senior national side, there is always added interest as observers try to spot the latest prodigy before his name becomes widely known.

Madrid contender
This year's prime candidate is midfield player Juanfran, who plays his club football alongside Raúl and Iker Casillas at Real Madrid CF and is proud of Spain's achievements in this year's competition. "All the players and coaches are very proud of our performances as we have worked very hard," he told uefa.com. "Now we must try to keep going all the way to the final."

Recent victories
With Spain having won this trophy in its Under-18 guise in 1995 and emerging triumphant again in the U19 version two years ago, hopes are high of a repeat performance this year and Juanfran believes the reasons for this success are no secret.

Extensive investment
"I think that the role of the coaches is very important," the midfield player said. "In addition, the Spanish Football Federation invest a lot and it is largely because of them we are here. We have good sports facilities and they give the players gifts when they do well – which is an extra incentive!"

Training partners
Juanfran made the breakthrough to Madrid's first team in the latter half of 2003/04 and, despite stiff competition at the Santiago Bernébeu, believes he cannot help but benefit from the stars that he trains alongside every day. "I was promoted to the first team in February, and it has always been my dream to succeed at Madrid," he said. "To play with people like Raúl, [Luís] Figo and [Zinedine] Zidane is a real privilege and teaches you a lot. That's the reason I made so much progress this year."

Double-edged sword
The midfield player is optimistic for his chances of winning a permanent place in the first team under new coach José Antonio Camacho, but is trying to remain realistic. "I am very positive for my chances and hope I will be able to take my opportunity when the time comes," he said. "But there are so many good players at Madrid and it is very difficult. On the one hand, playing with the galacticós is a fantastic opportunity to improve, but perhaps you get fewer chances in the first team.

First-team aim
"Sometimes Madrid release players to other clubs, to give them the opportunity for first-team football, and that is something I may have to consider," he went on. "Camacho has told me that we will discuss my future after the tournament – during these finals, it is very important I focus fully – and if the coach gives me the opportunity to play, I will try to do my best to repay his faith. If they decide to release me to another club, I will accept it."

Crucial target
For the moment, Juanfran is focused on helping Spain to yet more glory, but it reluctant to get carried away. "I think that we have to take every match as it comes, but [success in these tournaments] is very important, for our clubs and our country," he said. "It's also very important for us as you don't get very many chances like this."