Kike

Álvaro Rivera (17, CM) has had a great first season at the club after joining last summer from Calvo Sotelo Puertollano. He started the season with the Juvenil C (U17), quickly settled in and became an important player for the team. His performances also earned him opportunities with Juvenil B (U18), where he made several appearances throughout the season. A dynamic, technical and hard-working midfielder, Rivera operates mainly as an interior. One of his main strengths is his ability to carry the ball through midfield and drive his team forward. He constantly looks to break lines with his runs, attack space and arrive in advanced areas, while also making well-timed late runs into the box. He can be a valuable option between the lines, where his movement and ability to receive on the turn allow him to influence the game in the final third. He is also comfortable dropping deeper to support the build-up and offer an additional passing option when required, although this is not his main role. His energy, directness and attacking intent help his team gain territory and give them an extra presence around the opposition box. He is particularly dangerous when it comes to timing his runs into the box, arriving unmarked at the back post or in the six-yard area to get on the end of crosses and cutbacks. He has a real eye for goal and finishes confidently once in those positions, which is reflected in an great statistical season for a midfielder: 14 goals and more than 10 assists during the 2025/26 season. In possession, he looks confident and composed. He is comfortable receiving under pressure, takes clean touches and combines well in tight areas. He also has the ability to carry the ball over distance, helping him break pressure and create advantages for his team. OOP, he brings the same intensity. He reads the game well, is quick to anticipate and shows real quality when it comes to cutting passing lanes and stepping in front of opponents. He’s also physically strong, solid in duels and very tenacious, which helps him win back a huge number of balls, and he isn’t afraid to step in aggressively when he needs to. Rivera is also the son of former Real Madrid midfielder Alberto Rivera, who remains the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. Álvaro Rivera is part of the brilliant 2009 generation.