Move over Ronaldo, there's a new star in town. 11 year old Linfield midfielder Mark Norris has been invited to a trial with Real Madrid by the club's Under 12s coach, Alvaro Benito.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Norris has been on Real's radar since 2012 when he was attending a summer camp in Japan. However, it was only when a video of the youngster was uploaded to YouTube that things took a step forward after it was seen by former Madrid goalkeeper Raúl Valbuena.
The youngster has been nicknamed 'Xavi' and it's easy to see why looking at the extended highlights (he's number 17). Usually these videos show some skilful kids with no thoughts of passing the ball but that's really not the case with young Norris.
Valbuena brought the video to the attention of Alvaro Benito and Norris will now head over to Madrid in May for a week's training. As you might expect, the young midfielder is looking forward to the opportunity.
I will be a bit nervous at the start but then I will settle into it. I would love to play for Real Madrid or Man United.
It must be said, it's ludicrously young for a footballer to be heading to Real Madrid for a 'trial' but it's a great experience for him nonetheless to go over and get a taste of the very top of the football ladder.
