Taken aback Alex Valle makes it clear how he feels about Scotland and the Celtic experience so far

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Barcelona loanee Alex Valle is getting the minutes he craved after making the switch to Celtic during the summer transfer window.

On the fringes of the La Liga giants, Valle’s chances of regular football were slim in his homeland, but he’s being called upon to perform at a high level for the Bhoys.

The left-back has already played football in three different competitions, starting matches in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup, as well as appearing as a substitute in the Champions League.

It’s invaluable playing time for the developing 20-year-old. With Greg Taylor combating fitness and injury issues, he’ll be used plenty more, too.

Valle has now admitted he’s been left surprised by just how big Celtic are in terms of expectation and atmosphere, taken aback by the whole experience.

• READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers delivers verdict on Alex Valle’s Celtic start

Alex Valle shares what has been ‘awesome’ about Celtic switch

Speaking after taking part in the midweek friendly against Sligo Rovers, Valle said [Daily Record]: “If I had to pick one thing that has surprised me, I would choose that the club is maybe even bigger than I thought.

“I thought it wasn’t quite so big, and I didn’t expect such an atmosphere like the one at Paradise. The level of the game here in training and in each game as well is awesome. So I’m really happy. I like living in Scotland.

“The weather is getting worse every day. I have to wait until November or December. They told me that! It’s a good city, it’s a really good city and I’m enjoying it.

“Obviously, I have close friends from Barcelona, who I talk with every week. Then family as well, coming here and enjoying it as well. So I’m happy personally. I think I’ve been settling in here very well. I’m feeling confident.”

Alex Valle’s maturity and ambition shine through

On the pitch, Valle plays with maturity beyond his years. He is composed in possession and clearly has technical proficiency.

He’s very team-focused, and his backheeled assist for Adam Idah to score against St Johnstone showed not only quality but also unselfishness.

That maturity and ambition to improve shines through in media appearances too.

The defender continued post-Sligo: “I’m just trying to adapt, to follow the instructions. I’m trying to see what I do wrong in every game and in every training session so that I can be better here.

“I knew already when I came here that there were lots of matches, but it’s great for a young player like me. I want the most minutes I can get.

“There are a lot of contrasting games, that actually explains it really well. We have played in a lot of different places in the last few weeks in the league, in the cup and in Europe.

“It was a bit step-by-step. I started in the cup, trying to see where my position was, to be better. Then I came into the Champions League and then into the league. I’m trying to feel better every game.”

There are strong early signs that Valle can be a very important contributor over the course of the season.

Without an option clause in his loan, his long-term future is less clear, but it appears he is intent on making the most of what’s in front of him at Celtic for now.