Real Madrid announced the signing of the 18-year-old in February 2010 and snapped up one of the gems of European football in the process.

Canales was on the radar of the Spanish national side from an early age, playing for the Under-16 team through to the U-19s. However, he was made to wait until the 2009-10 season to make his mark on club side Racing Santander.

Having been with the side since the age of 11, his vision, creativity and intelligence on the ball were not used to their full extent and, after just over 30 games with the senior side, he was picked up by the big-boys from Madrid. However, he did not make a mark in his first season and was soon sent on loan to Valencia, with Los Che given an option to buy him at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Strengths: With vision and intelligence, he uses the ball well and finds space to make an impact on the game.

Weaknesses: His physical limitations and inexperience can hinder him on the big stage.

Career high: Two goals against Sevilla in January 2010 announced him on the world stage.

Career low: Not given a chance under Juan Carlos Mandia, he was made to wait to make his debut.

Style: Cool, composed, visionary, a wonderful attacking talent.

Quotes: "He plays as if he was in the hallway of his house. His heartrate never went over 40bpm." Marca journalist Roberto Palomar.

Trivia: When he was 12, the organisers of a local football competition were petitioned to change the rules in order to hand him the MVP award, so overwhelming was his superiority.