Hugo Guillamón: “It’s a dream for everybody when homegrown players play for the first team”

Having worked his way up through the youth ranks at the club since he joined aged 6 years old, Hugo Guillamón has had a breakthrough season in 2019/20. He debuted against Real Sociedad on February 22nd in LaLiga, and has now extended his contract through to 2023 and become a full time first team player. He spoke to VCF Media after signing the new deal.

“I’m very happy, because this is the reward for many years of work. Above all, for a homegrown player like me, who has spent many years at the club, getting to this point is the biggest thing. It’s what you have dreamed about since you were little. I’m going to keep aiming for more, and I’m sure that next season will be a great year for everyone,” said Guillamón.

“The system has been working well for several years. The kids coming through get opportunities, there is talent and you can see that it’s a dream for everybody when homegrown players go out to play at Mestalla.”

Guillamón believes that there is a lot of talent waiting to make the step up.

“There is a high level in the youth ranks at the club, and when they are given opportunities we will have some good players from there, I’m sure.”

“Getting here is thanks to work stretching back many years. You wait for your opportunity and when it arrives you have to be prepared. You have to work as hard as you can, fight to achieve your dream, and then enjoy it when it comes -because everything will work out well.”

Guillamón has experience in the first team from this season, and says it is always special to make an appearance for the senior squad.

“Every time that you go out onto the pitch with the Valencia CF shirt, it’s an honour to wear it and to play alongside your teammates. It’s a dream for any kid who has come through the ranks, and you have to make the most of every moment and enjoy it to the fullest.”

“It’s important to bring through homegrown players,” concluded the defender. “Besides the fact that they have talent, if you give them opportunities it can work out very well for the team, having people who identify with the club from a young age. I’m sure it is a good thing for the team.”