Luciano Valente is running an excellent preparation as one of the two ‘tens’ in FC Groningen’s new game system. But will he stay with the Pride of the North?
Hey Luciano. Already on your way to Italy?
,,No no no. We are still in Groningen. And I really want to stay here too. But in football you never know anything 100 percent sure…”
How do you like working with the new trainer Dick Lukkien?
“Very positive. Not only with Dick, but with all staff members. They manage to give the team a very positive feeling. In addition, they are very busy grinding in the new game system.”
That seems to be a very offensive system.
,,We now play with four men at the back, two controllers, two tens and two strikers. And then the backs are also very high. Very offensive indeed. But that will also be necessary in the Kitchen Champion Division. We’ll have to make the game. And entertain the audience!”
Passport
Name: Luciano Valentino
Born: October 4, 2003 in Groningen
Residence: Groningen
Course: Sports and Exercise at Alfa College (completed)
Sport: Football
Highlights: Debut in professional football against Ajax and debut for Italy under-18 against Hungary
Goals for 2023: Become a basic player at FC Groningen
Judging by the first practice matches, you will feel comfortable in this system.
,,Yes, I am one of the two ‘tens’. So I have a bit of a free role, which I like. I scored twice in four exhibition games. That is also my goal: more goals, more assists. Increase my yield. I will work hard on that.”
What is the program for the next few days?
,,We train on Thursday and on Friday we fly to Scotland. We will play against Hibernian that same day.”
Maybe you should wear a bit bigger shin guards than usual…
,,Hahaha… Yes, they want to kick you there, don’t they.”
The Packers
This is the fourteenth episode of The Approachers, a video series in which talented athletes Luciano Valente, Lars van Oostrum, Daniel Moragues, Shuohan Men, Jop van der Laan and Tim Jansen are followed closely for a year.
De Aanpakkers is an initiative of Meer en Beter Bewegen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, University of Groningen, Topsport Noord, Stichting BEA, Sport050, Province of Groningen and the Topsport Talent School.