For Rubén Sobrino, Valencia CF's trip to Mendizorroza will bring memories flooding back. It will be the first time that the striker returns to the ground where he played for 2.5 seasons, debuting in LaLiga in the process. The former Deportivo Alavés player is grateful to the club for the part they played in his career, as he explained to VCF Media this week.

“Deportivo Alavés are the club who gave me the opportunity to play in the Primera División. I played many games there and had some very nice experiences with them, such as playing in the Copa del Rey final. I have a special affection for my former teammates," he says.

Sobrino made his LaLiga bow when at the Basque side, back on October 16th, 2016. The date is tattooed on his body to commemorate his appearance in a game against Malaga that ended 1-1.

"I had been struggling with a pubis injury for a few weeks, but I took a few painkillers because I wanted to play. I wanted to debut in the Primera División, and it's something that I'm never going to forget."

Sobrino took the road less travelled to get to Alavés, joining on loan from English club Manchester City. He found it difficult to get a place for himself in the starting lineup, and a move to a different club in the winter of 2017 was even considered, but the club's long Copa del Rey campaign proved to be his chance to show his ability.

"As the rounds went by, I knew that an opportunity could come my way," he recalls, with a match against Sporting Gijon a turning point.

"It was my first start in the Primera División and I scored. From then on I began playing more minutes and in the end I was signed permanently, having overcome the situation. It was a big step for me."

The cup gave him something for the trophy cabinet as well, as he played in the final against FC Barcelona. The shirt and runners-up medal from that day hold pride of place in his souvenir collection.

"For Alavés, it was an achievement to play in the final of the Copa del Rey, and we provided a challenge for a Barça side in which Messi, Neymar and Suárez were unstoppable," says a proud Sobrino.

"We were a good, close group, and I still have a good relationship with Pacheco, Manu García, Laguardia, Tomás Pina and Burgui -who isn't at the club anymore."

That does not mean that he will be showing any mercy in front of goal this Friday, however, as he explained to VCF Media.

"We are working to earn the win. We have to improve many aspects away from home, bu the team are preparing well to win and to get better -both in terms of our numbers and our play."