For his first in Top 14 at Aimé-Giral, the young Catalan distinguished himself with two decisive actions. Above all, he built on his good performance last weekend at Racing by showing that he had not stolen his place on the left wing of the USAP.
He already knew the beautiful story. He experienced it last January, in the Challenge Cup, with a start and a trial. But this time, this story is even more beautiful. More unforgettable. More grandiose. This Saturday, against Vannes, Maxim Granell put on the USAP sky blue jersey for the first time in the Top 14, at Aimé-Giral. With such success…
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His first match in the elite of French rugby, at Racing, suggested good things. Percussion, generosity and speed. Against the Bretons, the twirling 19-year-old winger confirmed. By being even more dazzling. Because this time he made the cathedral roar. Its cathedral. The one who made him dream so much since his young years. “It’s huge. Honestly, I don’t have the words after this match”confided Maxim Granell after his team's improved victory (32-13).
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Five memorable minutes
Difficult to have the words, because the name of the young Catalan was chanted. In the 61st minute, it was he who scored the third try for the Blood and Gold. A try worthy of a winger. Her “job”as he says. After a job of undermining the big guys who are pounding the Vannes defense, Tom Ecochard moves aside for Tommaso Allan, who fixes at 5 meters, and therefore transmits to Maxim Granell who, in a corner, crosses the line despite the return of two defenders. “Hearing your name on the microphone and the stadium screaming, it’s a great experience”he said with a smile still intact.
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His hair had already stood on end five minutes earlier, when he saw Salesi Rayasi recover a dropped ball and he was running alone for the test, without cover (56th). The blood and gold winger didn't hear it that way. His explosiveness over a few meters allowed him to make a major comeback. With a perfect tackle, even bringing a Vannes forward to the ground. A try saved, before registering one therefore. The pats on his youthful head from leaders Alan Brazo, Tom Ecochard and even Lucas Velarte said a lot about the two decisive actions of the full-blooded Catalan. “It’s huge to hear the whole stadium stand up. It’s a great emotion!testified the young winger. The leaders supported me really well when I was stressed. They did what was necessary to reassure me. They spoke to me a lot. They knew how to use the right words to take the pressure off me and tell me to play my game, without thinking too much.”
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Top 14 – “He’s been working since he was little to play at this level”: Maxim Granell, the explosive 19-year-old winger ready to seize his chance with USAP
By making a second start in a row, Maxim Granell shows that his work is paying off. And he proves to the staff that his name, which arrived on the match sheets after an unfortunate combination of circumstances following injuries, has everything to resonate again at Aimé-Giral and on the other Top 14 pitches. His six races and 34 meters covered with ball in hand, his three defenders beaten against Vannes this Saturday and his defensive activity which allows him to fill gaps thanks to his speed in a high-stakes match for the USAP bear witness to this. “I thank the staff enormously for trusting me. But, indeed, it is also the work that pays off. I hope to continue to play matches with them and continue to evolve, always. I am evolving day by day with them “confided Maxim Granell, before also enjoying a few well-deserved days of vacation. Before, he hopes, finding the cathedral of Aimé-Giral “in a huge atmosphere”.
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