Anton Efremov (Nizhny, Russia2003) is one of the pearls of the Grogueta quarry. The young centre-back, who plays for Villarreal C this season, has become a U21 international with Russia and has trained with Submarino’s first team in Miralcamp, just as he did for Villarreal B under the management of Miguel Álvarez; In addition, he traveled to Switzerland last summer to carry out pre-season training with the company’s first subsidiary, Vila-Realense.
There are many successes that good old Anton achieved at the age of 20… and those that are yet to come due to his short career as a footballer. And now he has decided to combine the duty of 90 minutes on the green with training to become a coach. The defender has been part of the Mini A coaching staff since the beginning of this seasonone of the Grogueta Quarry’s 8-a-side football teams, with whom he spends his afternoons at the José Manuel Llaneza Sports City.
The landing’
“Two months ago, The Villarreal C coaching staff offered us the opportunity to work as little boys’ coaches on free afternoons.. “I really liked this idea and now I’m already on board.” Efremov talks about his beginnings as a coach in a top-class youth academy. And the solid Russian central defender was impressed by the level of Miralcamp’s youngest: “When I first came to train the team, I really liked the intensity and attitude of each child. “When I saw them compete in a match, I realized they were among the best in the community.”
Surprised by the level
The young soccer player was not only surprised by the quality and work of the children, but also by the knowledge of the Miralcamp coaches. “Every youth coach is a great professional who is completely dedicated to his work.”. When I met the Mini A coaching team, I was very surprised, especially by the specific work with each player: for example, running technique or hitting with the untrained leg,” says Efremov.
On the other hand, he is also amazed at the concepts that are being worked on at such a young age and the ease of learning: “Lately we have been working on one-on-one concepts, how to defend when facing the opponent “Turn your back.”, how to create a profile or how to use “weapons for defense.” “We also focus on the pressure after a defeat in order to win the ball back quickly. “Children learn quickly, and that helps us a lot,” Add.
A reference for children
For Mini-A players: Having Efremov as a coach, along with Eric Núñez, Silvia Heredia and Rafael GonzálezIt is a true luxury and a mirror in which you can look at yourself. The children who regularly stand in the stands when the first team or Mini Submarino play are now also attending the games of the second reserve team to cheer on their coach. «At the last two games some children came to me: they support me a lot and believe in me. I really appreciate it and “I try to be a good example for them.”recognizes the central defender at Villarreal C on the orders of coach Jandro Castro.
Anton Efremov thus combines the tasks of the player and coaching staff between the Mini Estadi and the 8-a-side football fields of the José Manuel Llaneza Sports City. Two tasks that fill him with learning and experiences surrounding the king of sports: football.