Oscar Rodriguez: “I would be willing to continue with another season at Leganes”

Oscar Rodriguez has been one of the surprise packages of the 2018-2019 La Liga season. After a slow start, Mauricio Pellegrino has placed his full trust in the 20-year-old. He has accumulated over 1600 minutes, starting 19 matches out of the 21 he has played, and has produced with 3 goals, 2 assists, and averages 1.6 key passes per game. He has operated on the left wing, the right wing, central attacking midfield, and now has found a home in a midfield three, as the right central midfielder. Leganes currently sit in 14th place, 6 points clear of the relegation zone. Playing top flight football next season is the number one priority for Leganes and Oscar will be crucial achieving that goal. In an exclusive interview with EFE, he spoke about his rise in La Liga, life at Leganes, and prospects for next season:

Question: Are you aware of how well you have done this year— to be a starter in the first division at 20 years old? Very few have reached this level...

Oscar: I came to Leganes with the idea that it was going to be very difficult to start, but every player comes with the idea to earn a starting position and earn minutes. Right now, I am getting those minutes and I intend to continue down this path.

Question: How have you found life at Butarque?

Oscar: This team is like a big family. We are all working towards the same goal and are very clear with our ideas and how we want to play. We all understand each other well both on and off the pitch.

Question: You arrived famed for your ability to take and score set-pieces, but you have yet to score a free-kick—is it more difficult in the first division?

Oscar: In the first division there are not as many fouls, especially in dangerous areas, as there are in the Segunda B. I still hope to score a free-kick, just need a little luck. I have not modified anything, but it is more difficult to score in the first division given the best goalkeepers in the world play here.

Question: What has surprised you most about the first division?

Oscar: Above all, the high level of play and the speed of the game. You cannot commit any dangerous fouls and you have to be concentrated for the full 90 minutes. You have to be aware of everything and think as fast as possible. In addition to all of that, the players that play in La Liga are the best in the world, both in attack and defense, and it shows.

Question: If the doors to the Bernabeu are shut next season, would you look to continue at Leganes?

Oscar: You never know what could happen, I would have to talk with my agent. I would be happy to have another year at Leganes. You never know.

Question: Are you comfortable here at Leganes?

Oscar: I have always said that I will never me more grateful to the club, I have never felt so loved. I will always have Leganes with me in my heart.