THEIR exotic names stand out on a non-league team-sheet, but Oxford City’s Spanish contingent are blending in nicely to life in England’s sixth tier, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

During the summer, City began a novel Iberian recruitment drive and it has paid dividends, with their five new arrivals helping them to third in Vanarama Conference North.

For defender Alejandro-Adrian Santiago, who signed from Real Betis B, it meant the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to play over here.

“Since I was small I always followed the English Premiership,” he said.

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“I liked the style of play because it’s very physical and very direct and I liked the emotion of the league, so it was always something I was interested in.

“I’d had opportunities to come over to England before, but didn’t take them and I felt that when the opportunity came this time I needed to take it.”

And although the Spaniards have made a flying start to their careers in England, they admitted acclimatising to the hustle and bustle of the English game was a challenge.

All of their answers for this article were translated by City’s Spanish head coach Enrique Guillen and it was not just the language which has proved difficult.

“The football here is very physical and there is no big difference between the teams at the top and the teams at the bottom, because they’re all very physical,” said defender Jose Lapoujade.

“It’s very difficult to win games, whereas in Spain if you keep possession well it is easy.

“It’s a very different game and I’ve found it very difficult because it is a very physical game.”

Their transition to English football has been helped by their English teammates, who have made the new arrivals feel at home at Marsh Lane.

Since joining City from Segunda B side Zamora CF, attacking midfielder Javi Rodriguez has been helped to settle in by everyone at the club.

He said: “When I came here I didn’t know the players, but over time I’ve started to understand what they want from me and the style of football they play, which is more physical and more direct.

“I think it’s working really well and with the help of the other Spanish guys I think we’ve helped each other through it and I’m finding it now much easier to adapt.”

And central midfielder Ander Del Alamo, formerly of CD Laudio, believes Oxford is already starting to feel like home.

“It’s different to Spain, but it’s a new experience and I’ve found it really good,” he added.

“The city helps because it’s very international, so it’s easy to settle in.

“I’m happy here and I like it in England.”

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