Yaser Asprilla impressed for Watford last season and this led to him joining Spanish side Girona, where he has already played in the Champions League.
A host of other clubs were also interested in the Colombian winger, but none of them were offering the promise of European football and in that factor appeared to be key for the player.
Asprilla has been a regular for the Spanish side since his move from Watford, but is yet to score or assist in any competition. Already, questions are being raised about the South American’s talent and ability.
Club manager Michel has now spoken about the winger and the fact that he is donning the side’s number ten jersey right now.
He said, as relayed by ElDesmarque: “When we gave him the ’10’ I thought: We were wrong. The ’10’ has to be earned by someone.
“The fact that he is the most expensive signing, that they gave him the ’10’ and other things has made it a bit harder for him to get in.”
Michel did go on to praise Asprilla’s potential but also stated that the number ten jersey shouldn’t be given to a young player.
“He is a good kid who will go further. The talks I have had with him have been good for him. He can play inside and outside.
“The ’10’ cannot be given to a young player. James has the ’10’ on the other [Rayo Vallecano] side, ask him if he is going to take it away from him in the Colombian national team.”
A manager has no real say about handing jersey numbers to players and Michel’s frustration may be understandable.
It is easy to forget that Asprilla is still fairly young and this is the first time that he is playing top-flight football in Europe.
He’s a work in progress and the Watford stint has shown that he has the ability to make an impact. Things, from here, should only get better for the 20-year-old.
