Pablo García: A Year of Promising Growth and Challenges

omidbasir- Today marks the first anniversary of a particularly significant match for Pablo García. On January 29, 2025, the Betis academy graduate captured attention after his remarkable performance against the Real Madrid Under-19 team, coached by current first-team manager Álvaro Arbeloa, where he scored four goals in a single-elimination round of the Copa del Rey Juvenil, held at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.

Under the guidance of Dani Fragoso, the team that ultimately emerged as champions delivered a memorable performance, dominating the Madrid youth squad, with Pablo shining brightly through his four-goal achievement. Adding to the scoreline were Morante, who had just made his debut with the first team under Pellegrini, and Richarte. This match came just a week after Betis announced the renewal of the young Sevillian forward’s contract until 2029, significantly increasing the chances of his inclusion in the first team’s roster.

Pablo’s debut in La Liga coincidentally occurred just days before this youth cup clash, during an away match against Mallorca. Following that, he continued to impress with the first team, showcasing his abilities during the return leg of the Conference League semifinals against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi. He also honed his skills in the Primera RFEF with Betis Deportivo, participated in the UEFA Youth League, scoring three goals, and made an impact at the U19 European Championship with Spain, reaching the finals and netting four goals, including a crucial strike in the semifinal against Germany.

Given his trajectory, Betis seemed compelled to integrate him into the first team setup as an alternative to Antony on the right wing. He received playing time in the early league matches, and by late September, he was representing Spain at the U20 World Cup, where he scored two goals and provided one assist. Upon his return, he continued to be a regular in Pellegrini’s rotation. So far this season, he has participated in 22 matches (13 in La Liga, five in the Europa League, and four in the Copa), contributing two goals and one assist, all in knockout competitions.

However, in terms of playing time, aside from the injured Isco, third-choice goalkeeper Adrián, and Chimy Ávila, he has had the least presence on the field. The manager, known as ‘El Ingeniero,’ is cautiously managing Pablo’s minutes, akin to his previous approach with players like Assane or Jesús Rodríguez. He aims to refine Pablo’s imperfections and youthful indiscretions to develop him into a key player for Betis. The injuries to players such as Riquelme, Isco, Lo Celso, and Cucho have provided him with further opportunities. Ultimately, his continued growth and contributions on the pitch will determine whether he can achieve the breakthrough that has so far eluded him.