QJL All Star: Getting to Know Atlético Players

One of the two goalkeepers in Atlético’s squad — and at the same time one of the youngest players on the team — is Diego Piqueras, who will only turn 16 in early September. He stands out as a product of Valencia’s academy, joining the Madrid club just this year. Piqueras has already played two games for Spain U16: conceding twice in a 3–2 win over Italy, and keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 victory against Turkey.

Another interesting player with national team experience is Adrián Martínez Vázquez, a 17-year-old defender. A homegrown talent of Atlético, he has featured for Spain’s U15 and U16 youth sides. A similar background belongs to Ian Jonatan Mencia Larramendia, a 16-year-old midfielder.

Also worth highlighting is central defender Óscar Torrellas Durán. At 18, he already leads the team’s back line and is known for his excellent penetrating first pass. Despite his young age, he is represented by Roc Nation Sports — the same agency that manages Kevin De Bruyne and Vinícius Júnior. Óscar is a product of Cornella, joining Atlético in 2023. Last season he played in the UEFA Youth League, where the team reached the Round of 16 before falling to Red Bull Salzburg.

Javier Tena Vañó, 17, is a defensive midfielder with high football IQ. He joined Atlético this summer from Valencia in a deal worth €80,000 plus bonuses. Strong in aerial duels and capable of initiating attacks with precise passes, he also has appearances for Spain U16.

Daniel Fitzgerald is 17, an Englishman born and raised in Spain. He came to Atlético from Elche’s system along with the head coach, with the Madrid club paying €150,000 for him. Last season, Fitzgerald debuted for Elche’s B team, scoring in his very first game. He can play both as a left inside forward and as a central striker. Daniel is known for his unorthodox use of the outside of his right foot — delivering unexpected passes and first-time shots — and he is also dangerous with long-range efforts from both set pieces and open play.

Another player who surely deserves mention is winger Rubén Gómez Hernández. The 15-year-old wonderkid spent preseason training with Atlético’s senior squad. He has also represented Spain at U15 and U16 levels.

Finally, the team’s captain — Óscar Bazaga Casas — boasts appearances for three different Spanish youth teams: U15, U16, and U17. Tomorrow, he will celebrate his 18th birthday. Despite his age, he has already drawn interest from Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund. A Madrid native, Óscar took his first steps at Rayo Vallecano before moving to Atlético in 2020, where he has already trained with the senior side. Originally a central striker, coaches are now testing him as a right winger. Standing at 180 cm, he is not the tallest but protects the ball well with his body and thrives in physical battles. Kazakhstan is not his first trip abroad — alongside national team duty, he has toured with Atlético in Mexico and the USA.

This is far from a complete list of Atlético players who have arrived in Almaty. The Madrid side features high-class young footballers — and tonight, they will take the field at Khan-Tengri Stadium.

The QJL All Star match will kick off at 20:00, with pre-match activities starting at 18:30 for the fans. The broadcast will be available on Freedom Media.