De la Fuente gets off the pier: a Spain without Wi-Fi and more football than ego
Alex Craninx, born in Málaga in 1995, carries a blend of identities both on the field and off it. His roots touch Europe and a wider football world: Andalusian by birth, with Belgian and international lines in his family, Craninx grew up amid conversations that crossed borders as easily as a ball travels across a pitch. At fourteen he stepped into Real Madrid and soon became part of a story that connected the white club to a broader Scandinavian and European football map. The journey took him from Valdebebas, where he crossed paths with players like Martin Odegaard, to new leagues and fresh opportunities that would shape his path. In time he found himself in the Norwegian football system, where the environment and the culture offered a different lens on the game and helped him to grow in ways that surprised even long-time observers.
Not many players can speak with such a perspective about Norwegian football right now. The national team has the spotlight with a generation of stars making their mark abroad. Names like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Marcus Pedersen, and Alexander Sorloth have become familiar to fans across Europe. A goalkeeper who has spent time with the first team and seen a shift in how players move between leagues describes a landscape where more and more talents leave their borders and prove themselves on international stages. The current reality in the lower divisions in Spain also reflects this global trend, with players seeking growth through diverse experiences and the chance to compete at higher levels.
From the pier to the pitch: a Spain without Wi-Fi and more football than ego
Hailing from a life where a passport and a club badge can open doors, Craninx’s career has been defined by reinvention and resilience. He explains that a phase of his development included injuries that interrupted his trajectory, and a longing to remain close to family that had to be balanced with the demands of professional football. Standing at 1.97 meters, he has faced periods of doubt but also moments of clarity where confidence and consistency became the guiding forces. His time with Molde marked a turning point, with experiences in European competition and a realization of how crucial timing and form are to sustaining momentum in a demanding sport.
During his career, Craninx learned to read the game through a mature lens. He points to the value of a strong mentor network, the importance of staying patient, and the reality that injuries are part of the journey. The Molde chapter is described as a period where loyalty to development and a careful management of setbacks allowed him to mature and to see football as a long game rather than a sprint. His perspective on the sport reflects a philosophy shared by many top goalkeepers who view football as a test of character as well as skill.
There is a recurring thread in Craninx’s story: the chance to share a locker room with players who would become notable figures in European football. He speaks of a real Madrid environment that shaped his understanding of professionalism, and of a player like Odegaard whose career path illustrates how persistence and a calm approach can unlock doors. The idea that a single club or a single season defines a career is something Craninx challenges; he emphasizes growth through diverse experiences and the long arc of development, rather than a single breakout moment.
Arsenal’s new leader Odegaard
Now recognized as a leader at Arsenal, Odegaard exemplifies how a player can thrive when the environment feels right. He is described as settled, confident, and grounded, a person who embodies a steady, normal approach that translates into on-pitch performance. Craninx notes that Odegaard’s trajectory shows a player who had to move and adapt before finding a stable home that supports his best football. The path from Real Madrid to becoming a staple for a Premier League club highlights the value of patience, resilience, and a supportive setting that helps players reach their peak.
The goalkeeper recalls how discipline and a touch of luck intersect in football today. He points to the importance of timing and preparedness, especially during the lead-up to major tours and competitions. The sense of momentum that builds before a summer season can set the tone for an entire year, a reminder that readiness and opportunity must align for success to follow.
Haaland and Odegaard: the best generation
Craninx reflects on a road that included a stint at Sparta Rotterdam on the advice of mentors. A two-year contract provided time to adapt, and though the path was not simple, the experience cemented the belief that patience pays. Zidane also kept an eye on him during his time in Castilla and the first team, underscoring how pivotal moments can surface when least expected. The idea that a young player can rise through perseverance and a willingness to endure setbacks remains central to his lessons.
He recalls seven years spent in one developmental phase, with a moment of doubt on departure and a question about whether the choices made were right. If there is a single piece of advice he would offer to kids from the Real Madrid academy, it would be to stay patient. The system is known for pushing players out when quick success doesn’t arrive, but the recommendation is to hold on and keep training. A steady commitment to improvement often reveals a path forward, even if the journey feels slow at times. The best generation for Norway, according to Craninx, is one built from steady effort and shared ambitions. Haaland’s emergence, supported by Odegaard and other rising talents, signals a bright future that has drawn interest from clubs around the world. He has represented his country on the big stages, including the World Cup, and his presence continues to shape hopes for Scandinavian football.
Spain 0 – 1 Norway at Euro 2000
The year 2000 brought a memorable clash where Flo, Carew, Eggen and their teammates edged past a Spanish side courtesy of a solitary goal from Iversen. A striker like Joshua King would later shine for Norway in friendlies against Spain. The two teams then faced off in the Euro 2021 qualifiers, with Norway drawing at home and losing narrowly in Spain, a reminder of how close football can be even when outcomes diverge.
As they look toward future tournaments, the memory of those early showings remains a touchstone. In the Germany 2024 cycle, both nations were jockeying for position in their groups, and a young wave of players continued to push for a stronger presence on the European stage. Kvaratskhelia of Georgia, Napoli, joined by Scotland and Cyprus in the conversation as emerging forces, highlights how the next generation is shaping a fresh dynamic. Craninx offers a hopeful view: Spain is in a rebuilding phase with many new faces, while Norway benefits from a blooming youth cohort that could translate into real competitive strength. He stresses the importance of nurturing that talent from the bottom up, with a framework that lets young players grow into consistent contributors on the continental stage.