Álvaro Morata, born on October 23, 1992, in Madrid, Spain, is a name synonymous with Spanish football. His career, marked by a blend of talent, controversy, and a knack for scoring crucial goals, has seen him grace some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Early Career and Real Madrid Youth System
Morata’s footballing journey began at Real Madrid, where he joined the club’s youth academy at a young age. He quickly progressed through the ranks, showcasing his natural talent and goal-scoring ability. In 2010, he made his debut for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team, and continued to impress with his performances.
In 2010, Morata made his senior debut for Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey match against Real Murcia. However, it was during the 2012-2013 season that he truly broke onto the scene. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs that season, scoring important goals and contributing to the team’s success.
Juventus Stint and Serie A Dominance
In 2014, Morata made a surprising move to Juventus, joining the Italian giants on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. At Juventus, Morata thrived, adapting seamlessly to the Serie A style of play. He formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Carlos Tevez, and the duo led Juventus to two consecutive Serie A titles and a UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2015.
Return to Real Madrid and Loan Spells
In 2016, Real Madrid exercised their option to buy back Morata, bringing him back to the club where he had started his career. However, his second spell at Real Madrid was not as successful as his first. Competition for places was fierce, and Morata struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
As a result, he spent the 2017-2018 season on loan at Chelsea. Despite a slow start, Morata eventually found his form and played a key role in Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph that season. He scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Blues, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level.
Atlético Madrid and a Return to Spain
In 2018, Morata returned to Spain, joining Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal. His time at Atlético was marked by mixed fortunes. He scored some important goals and contributed to the team’s success, but also faced criticism for his inconsistency.
Loan Spells and Return to Juventus
In 2020, Morata joined Juventus on a two-year loan deal, reuniting with the club where he had enjoyed significant success. He played a crucial role in Juventus’s Serie A title win in the 2020-2021 season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
In 2022, Morata returned to Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal. However, his second spell at the club was short-lived, as he joined Juventus once again on loan in January 2023.
International Career
Morata has been a regular member of the Spanish national team since his youth days. He has represented Spain at various youth levels, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2011.
At the senior level, Morata has been a key player for Spain, participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. He played a crucial role in Spain’s 2020 UEFA European Championship campaign, scoring important goals and helping the team reach the semi-finals.
Style of Play and Strengths
Morata is a versatile forward who can play as a center-forward or as a second striker. He is known for his aerial ability, his clinical finishing, and his ability to hold up play. Morata is also a good passer of the ball and is capable of creating chances for his teammates.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
One of the main criticisms of Morata has been his inconsistency. He has often been accused of not living up to his potential and of not being able to perform consistently at the highest level.
Another criticism of Morata is his lack of composure in front of goal. He has often missed easy chances, which has frustrated fans and managers alike.
