Share this @internewscast.com

He was born in Stoke and he made it big at Blackburn, but on Sunday Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz is hoping to pass another landmark in his unique football journey and line up for Villarreal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old former England under-19 international has been patient for chances at the Yellow Submarine after moving their last summer on a four-year deal.

The club have sacked two managers already this season but under new boss Marcelino he so nearly got a dramatic late winner against Sevilla two weeks ago.

‘When I was younger I used to watch Wayne Rooney playing for Manchester United,’ he says of of his early influences. ‘The goals and the aggression – what talent he had.’

Ben Brereton Diaz had had to bide his time and patient since joining Villarreal in the summer

Ben Brereton Diaz had had to bide his time and patient since joining Villarreal in the summer

Ben Brereton Diaz had had to bide his time and patient since joining Villarreal in the summer

Diaz celebrated scoring against Sevilla, what looked to be the winner, before VAR chalked it off

Diaz celebrated scoring against Sevilla, what looked to be the winner, before VAR chalked it off

Diaz celebrated scoring against Sevilla, what looked to be the winner, before VAR chalked it off

There was a spark of the peak-Rooney in that ruled-out goal against Sevilla, it was also a taste of the attacking prowess that saw him score 36 Championship goals in two seasons at Blackburn and earn a shock call-up to Chile.

‘Up until the age of 14 or 15 I was at Manchester United’s accademy,’ he says. ‘When I got released I went to Stoke for a little bit and then Nottingham Forest and Blackburn. 

‘At Blackburn, I hit some good form and started scoring some goals and having good games and suddenly I got a phone call saying that the Chilean FA wanted to take me to the Copa America.

‘My mum is from Chile, she and her family came over to Stoke because of the Potteries, because they’d done a little bit of that stuff (ceramics) in Chile. They came over to Stoke because it’s famous for pottery! So saying yes to Chile was a no-brainer as soon as I found out I wanted to do it straight away.’

He debuted in the Copa America against Lionel Messi and Argentina coming on with 10 minutes left. 

‘It was a great moment for me and my family, my Chilean family. They were really proud. It was nice to put a smile on their faces, but it was a crazy moment.’

So the player who scored five goals for England under-19s now has seven for Chile and has formed a good partnership with former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

‘He is an amazing player,’ he says. ‘And when I first met him he was very nice to me, he welcomed me. He speaks good English, having been in England for many years. We’ve got a good connection. It’s nice to learn off such a good player.’

Diaz's career continues on an upward trajectory - but he is still looking for take-off in Spain

Diaz's career continues on an upward trajectory - but he is still looking for take-off in Spain

Diaz’s career continues on an upward trajectory – but he is still looking for take-off in Spain

The former England Under-19 international has studied Wayne Rooney (left) to boost his game

The former England Under-19 international has studied Wayne Rooney (left) to boost his game

The former England Under-19 international has studied Wayne Rooney (left) to boost his game

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

He has quality all around him at Villarreal too. Despite their bumpy start, Villarreal – who are in Europa League action on Thursday night at Rennes – have scored more goals than any team outside the top six with Spain centre-forward Gerard Moreno leading the line. 

He represented England at youth level but now plays for Chile at senior level

He represented England at youth level but now plays for Chile at senior level

He represented England at youth level but now plays for Chile at senior level

‘It’s so good watching him in training, his left foot is amazing,’ Brereton says.

‘He scores goals and, his build-up play is great too. His technical ability is also good to get other people involved in the game. He’s a great player.’

The strength of Villarreal’s forward options mean it’s a challenge for Brereton to get a sustained run in the side but he’s enjoying life on Spain’s east coast and not regretting the move.

‘It’s an amazing club,’ he says. ‘It’s a step up for myself, from playing in the Championship. I just need to keep working hard. I’ve played some games, played a couple in the Europa League and a few in the league. It’s a great league, very competitive and I’m excited to keep learning.’

And life off the pitch is good too. ‘Obviously, the weather’s a lot different from where I’m from in Stoke on Trent! So, it’s a lot more outside in the garden, with my girlfriend, I’ve also got a son who’s nine months old. I spend some time with him after training and stuff like that.’

His close family, his Stoke family and his Chilean family will all be watching on Sunday hoping he gets the chance to show the form that has catapulted him on to the international stage at the home of Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old has left Blackburn on a free transfer after narrowly missing out on the play-offs

The 24-year-old has left Blackburn on a free transfer after narrowly missing out on the play-offs

The 24-year-old has left Blackburn on a free transfer after narrowly missing out on the play-offs

Ben Brereton Diaz talks football, Country music, David Beckham and the Vikings series among other things on the latest episode of LALIGA Talks on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts from Friday 15th December.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

AFL’s Surprising Strategy to Fast-Track Gout Gout into Action

The AFL is reportedly plotting a surprising move to host Aussie sprint sensation…

Newcastle’s Latest Third Kit Honors a Classic Club Appearance

Newcastle United and adidas have revealed the club’s 2025/26 season third kit…

Legendary Sports Stars: Pele, Muhammad Ali, and Tiger Woods Featured in Priceless Memorabilia Collection

IT started with two football shirts. They were placed in the cosy…

Jordan Henderson’s Ajax Contract Ends Early at His Request: Club Issues Statement

Jordan Henderson is set to depart from Ajax right away, clearing a…

From Joyful Beginnings to a Heartfelt Goodbye: Ave Maria Echoes from Their Wedding to Diogo Jota’s Funeral Just 13 Days Later

At the end of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva’s funeral…

Welsh Rugby on the Brink: Two Regions at Risk, Pending Strike Talks, and Top Players Considering Departure Due to Financial Turmoil

Welsh rugby is at risk of seeing more of its key players…

Man United’s Pre-Season: Challenges of Selling Unwanted Players and the Influence of the ‘Gang of Five’ at Carrington, by Chris Wheeler

Pre-season is typically an opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates, but…

Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines at Paris Fashion Week, Concludes a Remarkable Week with Arsenal

It’s been a whirlwind week for Myles Lewis-Skelly – and the teenage…

USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Roster: Current Team Status and Future Contenders Before the Gold Cup Final

There won’t be many opportunities in the near future for the United…

Liga MX Unveils Striking 2025 All-Star Uniform Showcasing Mascots and Team Symbols

Last week, Major League Soccer introduced the jersey for the 2025 MLS…