From Tranmere to Real Madrid! Marvin Park, a former academy player at Prenton Park, makes his debut for Zinedine Zidane’s side in goalless draw at Real Sociedad
- A former Tranmere Rovers youngster has made his debut for Real Madrid
- Spanish midfielder Marvin Park played for Rovers for three years as a child
- The 20-year-old replaced Rodrygo in the LaLiga season opener on Sunday
- Madrid were held to a draw by Real Sociedad as they look to defend their title
It may have been an underwhelming season opener for Real Madrid, but Los Blancos‘ goalless draw with Real Sociedad won’t be forgotten in a long time for Marvin Park, as the youngster made his Madrid debut.
The 20-year-old academy product came off the bench to replace Rodrygo with 20 minutes remaining as Zinedine Zidane‘s side looked to break the deadlock at the Reale Seguros Stadium.
Park’s senior appearance caps a remarkable journey in which the Spanish youngster came through the ranks of a number of clubs before finding a home at Real Madrid, including Tranmere Rovers.
Former Tranmere Rovers academy player Marvin Park (R) has made his debut for Real Madrid
The 20-year-old Spaniard was introduced by Zinedine Zidane with 20 minutes remaining
The midfielder joined Rovers’ youth academy as a nine-year-old in 2009, and spent three years in the North West before returning to Spain and playing for Ciutat de Palma.
He then went onto develop at La Salle and Jonquet Penya Arrabal before Madrid snapped up the youngster in 2016, and Park has flourished at Los Blancos ever since.
Park, who has represented Spain at U19 level, was born in Spain to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother, and barring his stint in England with Tranmere, has spent his life in Spain.
The 20-year-old was unable to make the difference for Zidane’s side, though, with Madrid’s title defence getting off to a steady start with a point at Sociedad.
Los Blancos had a mixed 2019-20 campaign, winning LaLiga ahead of arch rivals Barcelona, but they crashed out of the Champions League to Manchester City in the Round of 16.
Park was unable to break the deadlock as Madrid drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad on Sunday
