In the video series De Aanpakkers, six talented athletes are closely followed for a year. In the final episodes of the series we look back with them on 2023. This time with footballer Luciano Valente from Groningen.
Looking back at 2023, the term ‘horror season’ is quickly coined. “But for me it was a bit ambiguous,” says Luciano. Frank Wormuth included the talented midfielder in the first selection of FC Groningen at the beginning of the 2022/2023 season. “He saw it in me. You also need that luck in your career,” he says.
At first Luciano thought everything was wonderful. “You come from youth, you make your debut. All nice. You sleep well, even if you lose 5-1 to Ajax. Because you have made your debut.”
‘Losing is losing’
“But then you lose twice more…” And football suddenly became a lot less fun. His club performed poorly and he lost his starting place. “There have been times when I didn’t sleep much.” He also took it out on his parents, his brothers, his friends. His loved ones who always support him.
He has learned from it, he says. “Losing is losing. Then you just go home and be angry with yourself. But you just have to act normal to the people around you.”
‘I would really like to get my PhD’
There is also little reason for irritation at the moment. Luciano has fought his way back into the starting line-up and FC Groningen has been undefeated for a long time. “What is very important in the team is that we trust each other, we appreciate each other. We are one family. We also show the Groningen DNA, which everyone always talks about.”
In the near future he would “very much like to be promoted with FC Groningen”. What lies ahead for him next is of course still uncertain. As the son of an Italian father, he dreams of Italy, “but football-wise I would also fit in well in Spain.”
He now knows that talent alone will not get him there. “I noticed that this year. How we apply pressure now. That will to really win, to fight for each other. If you bring that, you will automatically play better. That will help us all in our careers.”
Passport
Name: Luciano Valente
Born: October 4, 2003 in Groningen
Residence: Groningen
Course: Sports and Exercise at the 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
The Approachers
In the video series The Approachers six talents, active in different sports disciplines, are closely followed for a year: Luciano Valente, Lars van Oostrum, Daniel Moragues, Shuohan Men, Jop van der Laan and Tim Jansen.
The Approachers is an initiative of Meer en Beter Bewegen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, University of Groningen, Topsport Noord, BEA Foundation, Sport050, province of Groningen and the Topsport Talent School.