Juan Cruz Álvaro Armada

Juan Cruz is a Spanish left-back born in Madrid on 28 July 1992. He developed in Atlético Madrid’s youth system before joining Bologna in 2010, where he spent two seasons with the Primavera side. Bologna subsequently loaned him to Carrarese, San Marino Calcio and Pistoiese, giving him experience in Italian football. Returning to Spain in 2016, Juan Cruz played for UD San Sebastián de los Reyes and then CF Rayo Majadahonda, helping the latter win promotion to the second division in 2018. He moved to Elche and made 39 appearances during the 2019–20 campaign as the club reached La Liga through the play-offs. Juan Cruz then joined Osasuna in 2020, developing from an attacking-minded full-back into a defender also capable of operating as a left-sided centre-back. His game emphasizes positioning, physical contests, aerial defending and safe distribution, while his versatility allows teams to adjust their defensive shape.