Chema has a secure future in goal

The young keeper from Madrid has a great future in front of him. He’s courageous, secure, and has great reflexes - the pros agree that he’ll make a fine first-team keeper On March 21 the Palau Blaugrana received a bit of bad news. The keeper Cristian Domínguez was on the receiving end of a very hard tackle from Inter Movistar’s Rafael in the away leg of the King’s Cup semifinal. Cristian was injured and 24 hours later it was confirmed that the keeper would be on the sidelines for six to eight weeks. Paco Sedano was named to the starting line-up in the next game and a youngster named José María ‘Chema’ Mella was called up to the first team. 2,6 goals per game Chema is the FC Barcelona Alusport B keeper. The young player from Madrid, international with the U21 team, made his debut for the first team last season. It was on November 6th 2010 against Marfil Santa Coloma. This season he’s played 15 matches - 7 victories, 5 defeats and 3 draws. He’s conceded 39 goals, averaging 2,6 goals allowed per game. Chema is very aware that being called up to the first team is worth celebrating, however, the fact that he’s replacing an injured teammate leaves the player with a sour taste: “it’s clear that I got to the first team because of Cristian’s injury, but I’ll try to do a good job” How his teammates view him in goal Cristian on Chema “Chema is a courageous keeper, he has a temperance that’s hard to find in this sport. He also has great positioning and a lot of projection. He’s got a great future in front of him. I’m sure of it.” Paco on Chema “I think that Chema is a very valiant player. He’s one of those keepers that’s never afraid. I like that and I’m sure that with time that courage will pay off. I’m sure of it.”