Adrián Marín Gómez: From Villarreal to the MLS Dream

Adrián Marín Gómez, born on January 9, 1997, in Torre-Pacheco, Murcia, is one of the notable Spanish faces in Major League Soccer (MLS). After debuting as a left-back for Villarreal under Marcelino, he is now pursuing his unique American dream with Orlando City. Marín, speaking to Marca from his club’s preseason training camp, expresses confidence in the promising future of his teammate Alex Freeman, whom he believes has the potential to reach the elite levels of football.

**Q. How is your experience in Orlando and how do you evaluate your time in the United States?**

**A:** The reality is that it has been a significant change. After leaving Granada, my four years in Portugal felt easier due to its proximity. Being far from family and home is always a substantial shift that naturally leads to much reflection. However, I must say that the warm welcome from everyone at the club, the city itself, and the MLS as a league has made the adaptation feel very familial. After spending three months at the end of last season and now beginning a new, exciting preseason, we are filled with enthusiasm and eager to have a great year.

**Q. How do you perceive the level of football in the United States, especially with significant teams like Villarreal eyeing the MLS?**

**A:** I believe the MLS and football in the United States are very competitive, physical, and talented. I was pleasantly surprised because, from Europe, it was a league I couldn’t closely follow until I arrived in Orlando. During my three months last year, especially with the playoff and the Copa match against the Mexican league, I saw a highly competent league that is dynamic, physically demanding, and filled with young talent eager to showcase themselves. I feel that over the past few years, the league has grown significantly and continues to expand rapidly. This influx of talent explains why more European teams are focusing their attention here. It has indeed been a surprise, and we are here to continue learning and growing on a sporting level.

**Q. You have played alongside Freeman in Orlando; what can you tell us about him? How is he as a player and person?**

**A:** I have had the privilege and pleasure of being teammates with Alex Freeman since August of last year. He has truly impressed me, and I believe he will surprise many in Spain if he can adapt quickly. He possesses remarkable physical attributes—strength, speed, and height. I joked with my teammates that he looks as if he has been sculpted, resembling a Greek statue. He is a young player with incredible potential, and I sincerely wish him a smooth transition in Spain, particularly at Villarreal, a club I hold dear and that gave me so much during my time there. Under Marcelino’s guidance, known for bringing out the best in young players, I believe he will thrive. If he adapts well and learns from the dedicated professionals at the club, there is no doubt he can become a world-class right-back. He has already shown his talent in international friendlies with the U.S. national team and has the World Cup ahead of him. While he may not be widely recognized yet in Europe and Spain, if he continues his meteoric rise, there is no limit to what he can achieve.

**Q. You are familiar with Marcelino’s coaching methods from your debut in the top division. Do you think Freeman will adapt well to the team and Marcelino, especially given the tactical and defensive demands?**

**A:** Adapting to such a significant change can always be challenging. I personally faced some difficulties during my initial months when I arrived in August. Freeman, however, has a remarkable talent for learning quickly. I have witnessed his growth and progress within the short time we’ve trained and competed together. I have complete faith that he will adapt swiftly to Marcelino’s high standards, which are foundational to both the coach and Villarreal. If he can navigate this adaptation process efficiently and meet the coach’s tactical demands, I genuinely believe we will be talking about him in the near future.

**Q. Villarreal has been interested in him since last summer. You must have discussed the club during these months. What have you told him about Villarreal and our league?**

**A:** Yes, since Villarreal expressed interest in Alex, we have continuously discussed the possibilities of him joining the club. Ultimately, due to the nature of sports, everything came together quickly. I personally wished him the best and assured him that he could count on my support for anything he might need from afar. I have informed him that he is going to a wonderful place to develop as a footballer—a top-tier elite club for which I am grateful, as it has shaped my career and placed me where I am today as a professional. I care for Alex both as a person and as a player, and I am thrilled that he can continue his career at such a remarkable place as Villarreal. I am confident he will be in very good hands.

**Q. Is Adrián Marín considering a return to La Liga in the medium term?**

**A:** I am in a league that has grown tremendously, is highly competitive, and is advancing rapidly. This presents a personal challenge that excites and motivates me. I am where I want to be, reflecting my sports journey, and I am grateful for that. I am eager to spend a significant amount of time here in Orlando, seeking the stability I desire for myself and my family while enjoying this incredible league and the spectacular opportunities that the United States offers. Of course, I always consider returning to Spain. After spending seven seasons there, followed by four years in Portugal, returning to one of the world’s top leagues is appealing. However, right now, I am relishing my time in Orlando within this commendably competitive league that has presented me with such wonderful opportunities.