Carlos Soler is one of three players on the books at Valencia CF who will take part in the Under-21s European Championships with Spain. The first team star joins up with new signings Manu Vallejo and Jorge Saenz for the competition, and the first game for the trio is coming up on Sunday against Italy (9pm local time.

This will be a second European competition for Soler with the Spanish national team at Under-21s level. He was part of the side who reached the final in Poland back in 2017, along with José Luis Gayà.

Before the tournament got underway, the midfielder spoke to VCF Media about his ambitions for the competition.

“I’m coming into this with a lot of desire to face this great challenge, and I can’t wait for it to start. I’m confident that everything will work out well,” he said after landing in Bologna on Thursday.

“Coming home with the cup would be something very special, and would mean that I had won two trophies in one season -that would be incredible for me, and a great end to a very, very good season.”

Asked about the signings of Vallejo and Sáenz, Soler said that “Manu is a versatile player who can play in several positions. He is fast and agile, and has a very good shot.”

“Jorge is a tall centre back who is also fast. He’s strong and good off set pieces.”

“It’s a good tactic from the club to sign young players with a bright future, and also Spanish players who know the language and won’t have any problem adapting. These are players who have yet to break out.”