The new Xavi, in the Spain squad and still only 21...
Manchester United are ready to revive their interest in the 'new Xavi of Spanish football' by launching a January bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.The 21-year old was on former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's radar last season after establishing himself at the heart of Atletico's midfield with a string of assured performances.
But what do you know about him? Sportsmail's Pete Jenson has the Spanish international's pass notes.
Let's talk: Spain international Koke is wanted by Manchester United
One to watch: Koke (second left) has attracted the attention of top clubs after some impressive performances
Koke, how are we pronouncing that?
Coe-kay
So is he the next Xavi?
No, there will never be another Xavi.
So why are you telling me about him then?
Because he is one of the major reasons why La Liga is now a three-horse race. And he’s a cert to go to Brazil next summer and push for a place in Vicente del Bosque’s midfield.
Three-horse race: Koke is Atletico Madrid's talisman and makes them a force in La Liga
Capped: Koke has played five times for Spain
How old is he?
Not 22 until January. But mature beyond his years both physically and mentally. He is already a Spain U-21 winner and has played over 80 times for his club.
What role does he have at Atletico?
He is the top-assist provider for leading scorer Diego Costa. But he is also about putting the same passion and commitment into the team that his manager Diego Simeone showed when he was a player.
So he is craft and graft?
Exactly, and because he has the strength and the flair, not to mention the intelligence he can play in various positions. When Atletico play 4-4-2 he plays wide left. But he can play through the middle or on the right and he has also played at right-back for Spain.
What kind of family does he come from?
A footballing one. His brother Borja Resurrección was a promising player at Atletico Madrid before him but had to retire early because of injury and now owns a Madrid sports shop.
Round my way: The youngster is from the same neighbourhood as Alvaro Negredo
Resurrection?
Yes. The family name is Resurrección. Koke’s name is Jorge Resurrección. Koke is his football name.
And where is he from?
Madrid. The same Vallecas neighbourhood as Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo.
And could he join Negredo in the Premier League?
He has the engine and the vision. He’s a real Madrileño though so he might want to enjoy life at the club where he made his B-team debut aged 16 and enjoy life there for a few years before he looks for an adventure outside of Spain. And Atletico are going places under Simeone so they won’t want to sell.
The new man: Koke has been likened to Spain's best ball player, Xavi
What’s he like off the pitch?
He has a reputation for being shy. They say on his debut in 2010 against Barcelona at the Camp Nou he waited for then captain Antonio Lopez to board the team bus and asked him where he could sit.
Some would say that is ‘respectful’ not shy?
Exactly and it’s an attitude that has earned him the respect of all the senior players in the Atletico Madrid squad and at national level. David Villa says: 'He covers so much ground and has a great touch on the ball. He is very complete as a player and there is no limit to what he can become.'
So according to Villa – if there is no limit to what he can become – he could be the next Xavi?
Fair point. Certainly as an assist provider he could be a match for him. And if he learns how to dictate the tempo of a game then who knows
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