The Double Interview: Álex Valle and Iván Azón

Álex Valle and Iván Azón joined Como 1907 during the 24/25 January transfer window. Valle is a left-back who rose through FC Barcelona’s academy. He made his senior debut with Barcelona B in 2022 and has since had loan spells with FC Andorra, Levante UD, and Celtic FC. Iván is a forward who came up through Real Zaragoza’s academy. Since making his first-team debut in 2020, he made 140 appearances scoring 25 goals for his boyhood club before coming to Como.

Both bring rich experiences from Spain, aiming to make their mark in Italy’s Serie A. In this candid conversation, they interview each other, sharing insights into their careers, challenges, and love of Spanish pop music.

Álex to Iván: What made you move to Como and how has the transition been for you?

Iván: The first few days have been difficult. It’s the first time I’ve left home. I don’t know if this is also your case, I don’t think so.

Álex: No, I have traveled a little more.

Iván: But for me, this was a big step forward in my career to come to Como, a club with such big ambitions, and I view it with great enthusiasm. It’s the first time I’m leaving home, so it’s more difficult for me because, in the end, you leave your family, you leave everything you have there, but I am really looking forward to this new start.

Iván to Álex: As a left back, you have faced many wingers. Who has been your toughest opponent, and what did you learn from this match or from him?

Álex: Luckily, I haven’t had to play against you yet. But in extreme cases, there are many people. At high levels, there are many good people. If I had to choose, probably Dembélé when he played with Barça. It was only ever in training, but he was great. Then maybe Leão. He’s a very good winger. If I had to choose, I would choose those two, but there is a very high level.

Álex to Iván: You have had the opportunity to represent Spain at the U21 level. Tell me a little about that experience. How is playing soccer at the international level different?

Iván: Yes, I was called twice to play with the under-21 team. The first time, I was fairly young. I think I was 18 or 19 years old, and for me, it was very important because it was a good step in my career because you play against players of a very high level. I was also lucky as I got to experience it with teammates from Zaragoza, Francho and Alejandro Francés. It was easier to be with them and the team and to fit in with them there and adapt with them. To be here with you and the other Spanish players, it has helped me adapt and adapt a lot faster.

Álex: Agree, it’s been a lot easier. At the end of the day, Spanish and Italian are very similar. And the truth is that I am very happy here.

Iván to Álex: Being part of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy is a dream for many. Can you share with us something memorable from your time there or any special experience you can remember?

Álex: I think what’s special is experiencing it day to day. In the end, I was only there for two years. However, for players like Gavi and Fermin, and other well-known players, who were there for six years or more, La Masia became your home, became your family. And even though I was there for less time, you feel privileged because, like you said, who wouldn’t want to be in or grow up in La Masia? There are millions and millions of children all over the world who know about or love Barça, so in the end, there is no other sense other than feeling privileged. It’s a privilege for everyone. I feel very privileged to be from Barcelona.

Álex to Iván: How is your Italian going?

Iván: I am taking classes in Italian because I want to learn as quickly as possible. Obviously, Italian is very similar to Spanish, but once they start speaking to you and you try to understand things from different conversations, it’s difficult. Understanding is easier, but speaking is a little more difficult. With these classes, I think it will be a lot easier for me. Between Italian and Spanish, you can more or less understand.

Iván to Álex: Let’s talk about food. Have you found a local dish in Como that you particularly liked? Do you have a favorite Italian dish or a favorite restaurant?

Álex: In my opinion, you don’t have to go far from the pasta dishes. The pizza, the quality of the food is phenomenal. I mean from where I am coming from the past six months, with all the love and affection I have for Glasgow because they treated me phenomenally, it doesn’t compare. With food, there are levels and the level here is very good. The food here is very similar to Spanish food.

Iván to Álex: Which player or person would you like to go to dinner with or see? I know at Barca you have met many top players, but from all different aspects of life, who would you like to meet in person?

Álex: If in football… you obviously. I am going to tell you another one. I would like to share a few moments with Jordi Alba because he was my idol. As he got older, I understood more about football and such. I loved watching him play. He was phenomenal. He’s the best I’ve ever seen play.

Álex to Iván: What’s a good secret talent you have that you can tell the people?

Iván: Hidden talent is difficult. I always like to highlight and put an emphasis on my studies, which isn’t always prioritised in this career. My studies have always been very important to me. I think it’s going to be very important for my future. Do you have any hidden talents?

Álex: You said  study, so now anything I say I will look bad…

Iván to Álex: Ok but what about when you’re not training or playing games, how do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies or activities that help you unwind?

Álex: I go on walks with my partner and my dog. The town is truly spectacular. The quality of life is very good. The lake is beautiful and the town itself is also really beautiful. I have walked a lot but there is still a lot for me to see. Otherwise, I am a pretty quiet guy. I also like to be home with my girlfriend, when my friends from Spain come to visit and my family comes to visit, that also makes me happy.

Álex to Iván: What is your favorite genre of music? What do you usually listen to?

Iván: I usually listen to Spanish pop. Retro Spanish pop. My family and my girlfriend have made me listen to it more and have made me more musical. I also like electronic music especially before games, like David Guetta. This music really gets you in the right headspace. Helps to motivate me before a game. I think it’s cool. What about you, what’s your music taste?

Álex: Apart from game day, I’m like you. I have a similar taste in music. Mythical Spanish pop is my go to, especially in the car. I also like reggaeton or top 50 global hits is what I listen to. I listen to a little bit of everything.

Iván to Álex: Do you have any rituals or superstitions that you follow before a game?

Álex: I have many. I believe if I win, I have to remember everything I did last week and I might just have to do it again. Because if you win, rarely will you change things. I don’t know how many things I could tell you, but I could tell you a lot. Especially the day of the game, from when I wake up, from what I eat, all the way to when we’re in the stadium. I do a lot of things in the stadium. I enter the field with the right foot first and then I say hello. Touch the ground with one hand, kiss my wrist. I have a lot of things. We won’t finish the interview if I tell you about all of them. And you?

Iván: I don’t have many things. The other day I wrapped my wrist because I had a wrist operation. Many people from Zaragoza called me out for this action and said I should stop. And I said I wish I could, but I can’t because I need to wear it all the time for prevention. But, I try to avoid in fact everything that has to do with superstition. I don’t like it. I don’t like to encourage it.

Álex to Iván: What did you think of me the first time you saw me? I think I followed you on Instagram first.

Iván: Yes it’s possible. I heard about you through my agency but I had been following you for a long time.

Álex: I asked people and they said you were good people.

Iván: I think we’ve gotten along very well. We get along well on the field and that’s the important part.

To watch this full interview, tune in to Como TV: https://tv.comofootball.com/