Having become the first outfield Australian player to play in the Spanish top flight for 16 years after debuting for Cádiz CF on Monday, Awer Mabil is ready to progress in one of the world’s best leagues.
Mabil became one of a select few Australians to have played in the Spanish top flight and the first Australian outfield player to do so since John Aloisi in 2006 after coming on at half time in Cádiz’s 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad.
While the Socceroos winger took a moment to realise the significance of his achievement, Mabil said his focus has turned to improving his game in “the perfect country.”
“Coming on in the second half was nice to get that confidence from the coaches,” Mabil told Optus Sport.
“It’s only the start. I just have to use this now to work harder and try to help the team as much as I can.
Being here is enjoyable because it’s pure football. Everything is on the ground and that’s how I like to play so I think I’m in the perfect country.
“I just have to get a few things right and then I think it's only the start.”
The 26-year-old joined Cádiz on a four-year deal in May after finishing a seven-year stay at Danish club FC Midtjylland.
The 2022-23 campaign marks Cádiz's third-straight season in Spain's top flight and after avoiding relegation by a single point last season, Mabil hopes they can bounce back from the opening day loss quickly.
“I think the manager was pleased in the second half,” Mabil said.
“In the first half, we didn't do the things that we wanted to do, but we'll work on them.
“We talked at half time, a few things were said and we made some adjustments. You can see the response was good.
“The feedback is that we need to continue to take the strength from the second half, and then work on the weaknesses for next week.”
Mabil’s Cádiz take on CA Osasuna on Sunday at 1:30am (AEST).
