Carles Aleña Castillo

Carles Aleñá is a Spanish central midfielder born in Mataró on January 5, 1998. A left-footed player, he began at Maristes de Mataró before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2005 and progressing through its youth ranks. Aleñá made his Barcelona B debut in August 2015, then reached the senior side, debuting against Hércules in the Copa del Rey in November 2016. He scored the equaliser in that match and later registered his first La Liga goal against Villarreal. Seeking regular first-team minutes, Aleñá joined Real Betis on loan for the latter part of the 2019–20 season. He then moved to Getafe on loan in January 2021 before signing permanently for the club in July 2021. Now with Alavés, Aleñá operates centrally or from the left, using his vision and left foot to progress possession and create chances.