Diego Lopez, a grafter in the Bernabeu

Few goalkeepers have had to prove their worth to more coaches than Galician Diego López (born Paradela, Galicia, 1981). From the moment he began his career he has risen to the pinnacle of football as a result of his hard work and professional approach to the game.

López started out by moving up through the ranks at Club Deportivo Lugo – where he was nicknamed 'Diegacho' by his teammates – and had to sit on the substitutes’ bench at different points of his apprenticeship. He then progressed to Real Madrid C in the year 2000, after his colossal work-rate and prodigious physical conditions helped alert interest in the player.

López struggled initially at Real Madrid and had to work hard to prove himself in the C team, in a loan stint at Alcorcón and later in Real Madrid Castilla (Real’s reserve team). The keeper then spent long spells as a substitute but was promoted to the first team, as number-two to Iker Casillas for a couple of seasons, before he moved on in search of life as first goalkeeper.

In the summer of 2007 the shot-stopper signed for Villareal, where he had to compete with Sebastián Viera for the number-one shirt. Eight years after he left his hometown of Lugo, López at last earned his long-awaited position as starting ‘keeper. Soon after, he won his first international call-up for Spain in 2009.

After 'The Yellow Submarine’s' tragic relegation from the top-flight, López jumped ship and joined Sevilla. It appeared that history would repeat itself when he spent a few months on the substitutes’ bench again. However, it seems López has been dealt some good fortune in the form of a great opportunity at Real Madrid.