Marlon Santos enjoys unexpected ‘unique opportunity’

21 year old Marlon Santos, the Barça B centre back, made his league debut with the first team this Sunday in the 4-1 win over Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. The Brazilian had already made his debut in the Champions League this season against Celtic for Luis Enrique’s side before starting for the first time in the league due to Javier Mascherano pulling up in the warm up in the Estadio Gran Canaria. “I had to give my best. I work hard all week for chances like this and I think I was ready,” said Marlon Santos, adding that the game had been a ‘unique opportunity’ for him.

“I thank Luis Enrique for the opportunity that he gave me. Umtiti and Ter Stegen helped me too relax as well.

“I was a bit nervous at the start, I could feel it in my stomach, but I managed to control my emotions.”

Luis Suárez:

“We knew it would be difficult in front of their own fans but we deserved the three points. We played well in the first half and we were effective [in front of goal].”

“What we have to do is win against Eibar so Real Madrid have to do the same against Celta and Málaga. It depends on what they do on Wednesday and Sunday.”

Andrés Iniesta:

“The team put in another complete performance. We played well in the first half and after their goal we took control once again. Las Palmas are a tough side who like to have the ball but we pressured them well and we were effective.”

“I want to congratulate Marlon because it is not easy playing for the first team, away from in those circumstances. He is training and playing with us because he has what it takes.”