Source: Team_Talk
Coyle hails capture of Alonso
olton manager Owen Coyle believes he has pulled off a coup to land teenage left-back Marcos Alonso from Real Madrid.[LNB] Alonso has signed a three-year deal at the Reebok Stadium after turning down the chance to join Portuguese giants Benfica.[LNB]Coyle rates the 19-year-old, who can also play left midfield, as a highly exciting prospect having come through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu.[LNB]Coyle said: "What I loved about him as well was he could have sat on the bench at Madrid all year and then be pushing on.[LNB]"But he wants to come and establish himself as a first-team player in the best league in the world. He has that drive and enthusiasm and no end of talent.[LNB]"The whole thing was pleasurable at every moment. His agents, his family were as good as their word.[LNB]"When a club with the stature of Benfica comes along it's obviously going to turn your head.[LNB]"But all throughout they gave me the commitment Marcos wanted to come to Bolton.[LNB]"It's a terrific piece of business to pull this off. Marcos is 19 and has already been involved at a very high level."[LNB]Alonso made just one first-team appearance at Real as a late substitute in a 2-0 victory over Racing Santander in April.[LNB]He has rich footballing pedigree, with his grandfather having played for Real in the late 1950s and early 60s and his father having spent five years with Barcelona in the 1980s.[LNB]He becomes Bolton's third signing for the new Barclays Premier League campaign after the arrivals of Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake.[LNB]Alonso said: "It was difficult to leave Real because they are one of the best clubs in the world.[LNB]"But I think it is difficult to play at the top in Real.[LNB]"To come to Bolton is a very good move. Maybe I could have stayed and played with the first team, but I don't know.[LNB]"It's very difficult. But here at Bolton, if I work very hard, I have the possibility to play in the first team."[LNB]Coyle admitted the deal was not straightforward but is confident the club will be rewarded for their determination to secure it.[LNB]"With a club the size of Real Madrid, there will be complex negotiations," said Coyle, who guided Bolton to 14th last season after quitting Burnley in January.[LNB]"It was lengthy because he is a fantastically talented young player.[LNB]"As lengthy as it was to bring him here, it was certainly worthwhile."[LNB]Alonso is not match-fit after an ankle injury and Coyle will not rush him, but the player is confident of being ready for the start of the season next month.[LNB]"I will start training on Thursday and I think I will be perfect for the first league match," he said.
