National Under 20 midfielder Levi Garcia says that making his professional debut for Netherlands top flight club AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredevisie has been a dream come through for him.
“Making my debut was maybe the most important day in my life and my career,” Garcia said. “I was so excited that at one point I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. It was an amazing feeling and I would wish this could happen to any young boy who has dreams of being a professional footballer. I would tell any young man to go after his dreams,” he added.
Garcia said the advice from Alkmaar’s manager John van den Brom was to be himself on the pitch.
“The coach told me to just go on the field. No pressure. Play free and play your game. It was a big game for us so I was so excited but not afraid of the occasion or the challenge.
“My aim now is to be consistent and to stay in the first 18 for as many games as possible this season. I will be working to break into the first eleven and just try to keep getting better from there.
“The team is improving and doing well and I’m happy to be part of the set up. They have been taking care of me and it’s like a family here at the club. I couldn’t ask for more at this stage. Hopefully I can stay injury free and just keep improving and adding to my experiences as a player,” Garcia added.
AZ are currently tenth with 25 points on the 18-team table which is led by Ajax on 48 points.