The Javier Manquillo story
Liverpool today confirmed the loan signing of Spanish full-back Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid - here's a look at the 20-year-old's career so far…
Brendan Rodgers swooped to bring in one of Spanish football's most promising defenders in the summer of 2014, signing Javier Manquillo on loan from reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
The speedy and disciplined right-back opted to leave Los Rojiblancos, having previously spent his entire professional career there following a similarly brave decision to depart their cross-town rivals years earlier.
Solid on the flank of any defence and fearless in the challenge, Manquillo will bring his considerable pace and attacking prowess to the Reds' backline.
Born in the Spanish capital on May 5, 1994, Javier Manquillo Gaitán, to give him his full name, actually started life as a footballer with Real Madrid as part of the youth set-up alongside his twin brother Victor.
When the European heavyweights chose to release the latter in 2007, the young Javier made the noble and loyal decision to follow suit, despite the club's wishes to retain his services.
Fewer than 48 hours later, Atletico - Real's local rivals and the side Manquillo supports - offered the defender an opportunity to join up with their own esteemed academy.
By 2011, he was making his unofficial debut for Atletico's first team in a friendly match against Egyptian side Zamalek; his official bow followed, in opposition to Albacete in the Copa del Rey later that year.
Taking care not to rush the player's progress, the Spaniard was simultaneously used by the B team and first XI, with whom he made a handful of appearances in all competitions, including the Europa League, during the 2012-13 season.
As his style evolved and maturity improved, Javier earned a La Liga debut during the campaign, replacing Filipe Luis amid a handsome 6-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
With Atletico storming to their first league championship since 1996 and reaching the final of the Champions League a year later, Manquillo made seven appearances in total - including three in La Liga.
Liverpool's latest recruit is also an experienced youth international, having played at U18, U19 and U20 level, winning the U19 European Championship in 2012 alongside new Anfield teammate Suso.