Juan Foyth was presented as a new Villarreal player on Monday, and he has been discussing his move to the Spanish club.
Foyth was a favourite of Mauricio Pochettino, as he raided Estudiantes to sign Foyth in the summer of 2017, viewing him as a star of the future.
Pochettino may have given Foyth playing time in the Premier League at centre back and right back, but Jose Mourinho wasn’t quite so convinced.
Foyth didn’t play a minute of competitive football for Tottenham in 2020, and has now been sent on loan to Villarreal with a permanent option included in the move.
The 22-year-old will now be hoping to play regular first-team football in Spain, and he’ll be doing it under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery at Villarreal.
After being presented as a Villarreal player on Monday, Foyth told Marca that he is thankful to be working with a defender like Raul Albiol during his time with the club.
Foyth praised Albiol for his experience and quality, believing that the veteran centre back can help him become a better player at Villarreal.
“The important thing for every player is to improve day by day. Thank God I have come to a club where there is a central defender like Raúl Albiol, with a great career and a lot of experience,” said Foyth. “I have already spoken with him and he seems like a great person. I will try to acquire all the concepts that he can offer me and with that improve,” he added.
The irony here is that Albiol played under Mourinho himself at Real Madrid, and told Goal in 2013 that he liked working with Mourinho, but criticised him for losing the dressing room at Real.
Maybe he and Foyth will now exchange stories on Mourinho, and Foyth may hope that working with Albiol can help him carve out a Tottenham future yet.
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