Pedro Leon – Another dream turned nightmare

Pedro Leon – Another dream turned nightmare

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November 3rd 2010, Real Madrid traveled to the San Siro stadium to face old enemies AC Milan in the Champions League group stage. Early into the tenure of coach Jose Mourinho, the ‘Special One’ had been received with mixed reception amongst the fans and was expected to meet Real Madrid’s high expectations on the European scene.

It was 2-1 to Milan, courtesy of a double strike from Filippo Inzaghi, with Mourinho’s unbeaten run in charge of Los Blancos on the line. In the 80th minute, Mourinho brought on Pedro Leon, the club’s €10 million summer signing.

Time was running out for Madrid, but in the third minute of extra time, Karim Benzema released Pedro Leon, who thundered it under Christian Abbiati to make it all even. The goal prompted a flurry of activity on the touchline from Mourinho and when the full time whistle blew it meant Real Madrid had qualified for the knock out stages.

From the outset, it looked like the perfect start for the 24-year-old midfielder. Although he found his arrival eclipsed by Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, Leon appealed to the local support, who were hopeful for a new role model similar to the recently departed Raul. Elegant on the ball, impassive and good looking, few could deny the initial comparisons.

Although very skilful and excellent from an attacking perspective, Pedro Leon is flawed defensively, seemingly unwilling to make up the ground to help his teammates. This is due partially to his introduction to football, as it was always something that took a back seat in his upbringing. This lack of discipline is made up for by an unparalleled determination and desire to win that’s seen Leon play so consistently in La Liga.

However, after just a few weeks at the Santiago Bernabeu, Pedro Leon entered into a battle he could never win. He came into direct conflict with a man prepared to destroy his Real Madrid dream for the good of the team: Mourinho. The former Chelsea boss took issue with Leon’s lack of aggression and, to some extent, his attitude. Unaccustomed to the level of football he’d been thrust into, few can blame Leon for being somewhat overwhelmed.

Despite these early differences, Leon was determined to make it at the highest level and expected to play a role in Madrid’s trip to Auxerre during the Champions League group stage. However, his hopes of playing were dashed as Mourinho denied him the opportunity he so desperately craved. This set Leon on his path to an early exit, lined with frustration through a lack of playing time and dwelling on the dismissive treatment by his coach.

Mourinho did not need to play Pedro Leon. The team was performing well in both the league and in European competitions, and were eventual Copa del Rey champions. He wasn’t the only player to be left out by Mourinho either. After four positive seasons in the capital, Fernando Gago managed just seven appearances under Mourinho. Leon would come to blows with the Argentinian in a training session, allowing Mourinho to exploit his lack of discipline. Leon’s sheer desperation was tarnishing his usually composed demeanour.

Having made it as far as the winter transfer window, Leon sought an escape from his torturous stay in Madrid, only to find the club unwilling to comply with his request to leave. He would see out the rest of the season in the capital, a shadow of the man that had joined the club. In the summer, he returned to Getafe on loan, throwing off the metaphorical shackles and rekindling his determination to succeed.

Now into his third season with Getafe, having made his loan from the Bernabeu permanent, Leon has made more than 80 appearances with 11 goals and 15 assists to his name. This particular season has seen him score seven times, one more than Alvaro Morata and one less than Isco. He is a vital member of the Getafe attack and is, once again, valued.

For some, Leon’s demise at Real Madrid was a disappointment, particularly as Spanish elements like Guti and Raul had left. Although a return seems all but impossible, the 27-year-old could be tempted as he nears the pinnacle of his footballing career. Troubled by his style of play and a coach with a grudge, Madrid fans have just his goal against Milan by which to remember him. Having run to the corner flag to celebrate, Leon must have thought he’d reached the big time, only for his dream to become a nightmare.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

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