Lorenzo Belmont, the new Peruvian jewel that shines in the ‘Yellow Submarine’

Seven hours and several steps ahead is Lawrence Belmont of a large crowd of boys his age who dream of making it big in professional football. Not long ago, his life and career were linked to the picturesque Matute, but everything changed suddenly when the doors of El Madrigal were opened to him. Right now, he is taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to him in Spain. And, at only 14 years old, the Peruvian jewel is emerging as one of the great promises of the Villarreal. It is not for less.

Unlike the vast majority, Lawrence Belmont -born on September 21, 2007 in Lima- did not have much interest in soccer during his childhood. In fact, he was closer to being a cyclist than a footballer. And it is that his parents instilled in him more love for the bicycle than for the ball.

But, suddenly, his passion for football sprouted unexpectedly. At school, his friends encouraged him and convinced him to play soccer and, since then, nothing would stop him. “That’s where I got hooked and fell in love”recalls.

Little by little, Lorenzo realized that he was destined for greater things than he could imagine. He played for the selection of his school, he was trained in the Esther Grande de Bentín (EGB), he wore the Cantolao shirt for a short time and finally reached Lima Alliancewhere he spent a year and a half.

He remembers his stage in Peruvian formative football with great joy. In fact, she still maintains contact with her former teammates. “They have always been very kind to me”, clarifies. And in the purely sporting matter, he considers that he was successful. “At the level of titles it also went very well for me, especially in Alianza we achieved some things”He says.

Wearing the blue and white shirt, he gave countless examples of his great ability as a defender. In 2020 he was going to play the Federation Cup with the ‘intimates’, but the pandemic prevented him from doing so. However, from Spain they had already been doing a special follow-up, so in August of that year he received a distant call from that country.

“From Villarreal they told me they were interested in me and I practically didn’t doubt it”, bill. So, his football journey had to travel more than nine thousand kilometers and in September 2020 he began training with the ‘Yellow Submarine’. From there, Lorenzo has had an enormous progression. Unquestionably.

“As I have always said, the best decision that I think one can make is to leave from an early age, because you get used to it quickly when you are little, so adapting to Spanish football has never been a problem”he assures.

Of course, being away from his family all this time has been quite complicated. He says that he lives there with an adoptive mother and other teammates. “It’s quite difficult football-wise, but the most difficult thing is psychologically, because in the end being so far away from my family and friends obviously has an influence, but I’m fine with it”Explain.

Before traveling to Spain I was aware of these risks, but golden opportunities are not wasted. Beyond the various difficulties that he has had this time, Lorenzo is happy to play in the Villarreal youth academy, where he has already won the League title, the Girona Cup and the Yellow Cup Easter, two tournaments of great repercussion in the Spanish grassroots football

In fact, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ quarry is known for being one of the best in Spain, granting student and sports scholarships to many of its players, such as Lorenzo Belmont. And that success in the youth ranks extends to the senior team, which this season unexpectedly reached the semifinals of the Champions League, knocking out the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages of the tournament.

“The truth is that I feel proud and with a lot of responsibility. Every time the first team wins, I get happy, because I feel like I’m representing a very important club.”Lawrence comments.

Lorenzo wants to continue improving and therefore trains four to five times a week. “It’s an hour and a half of football and then an hour of gym “, clarifies. In addition, there are the match days that are played on weekends, where the Peruvian puts into practice everything he has learned, as well as some special advice from the players of the first team of the ‘Yellow Submarine’.

“I know several professional footballers here from Villarreal. Most advise me never to get distracted and if I really want something, never make excuses.”bill.

Position and virtues

Lorenzo Belmont has been trained mainly as a central defender, but he is an all-rounder. And it is that the 14-year-old Peruvian can also play as a right back or defensive midfielder. He fits perfectly in those positions, where he likes to take the lead role.

“I am a player who talks a lot on the pitch, and from my position I can see how the team is doing and command. I also consider myself a very physical player, very strong, so for the clash I’m doing well and that’s why I stand out in defense “describes himself.

The Villarreal defender enjoys a good height for his position: measures 1.80 meters. For this reason, he always stands out in aerial games, both when it comes to defending and attacking. In addition, he gives a lot of security in the exits of his team and is perfect for closures against the rival’s attacks.

The short time he has been in the ‘Yellow Submarine’ has not prevented him from wearing the captain’s belt twice already. His virtues fully support him. “The responsibility of wearing it feels very special. The first time is something unforgettable. you feel different”express.

His main reference in this sport is Sergio Ramos. Since he was little, he has watched many videos of the Spanish defender and tries to imitate him on the pitch. Of course, at Villarreal he follows in the footsteps of none other than Paul Torreswith whom he was already able to chat in El Madrigal.

“I had the opportunity to talk for a while with Pau Torres, he practically told me to always have a cold blood and that if one day I make a serious mistake, that I should never sink, stop thinking about it and move on to the next move”recounts.

Now Lorenzo forges his own history and wants to go as far as his references. He still needs to mature and continue adding experience, but at Villarreal they are very confident in what the Peruvian can achieve in the future. “My coaches believe very strongly that I have a great projection”He says.

selection and future

Lorenzo Belmont was born and raised in Peru, but he also has Spanish and Italian nationality. Even so, his dream, since childhood, is to wear the ‘Blanquirroja’, which he hopes to accomplish soon. “I would decide for Peru 100%. I feel a unique love for the national team and I would love to play for it”he assures.

The Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) has already contacted him previously to take him into account for the U-17 category, so they are keeping an eye on his growth in Spain. Now the Peruvian is just waiting for one of the most important calls of his life.

“They have approached me a couple of times, they have tried to move forward with procedures. I still don’t know anything, but I hope that one day, if possible, they will summon me. They have told me that they are going to follow up on me and they have also contacted Villarreal”reveals.

In the national team, Lorenzo Belmont is quite attentive to the game of Alexander Callens. He is the player with whom he most identifies. “I really like Callens. He seems to me to be a very forceful footballer with good vision ”he points out.

As he awaits his opportunity in the U-17s, Lorenzo Belmont continues to advance by leaps and bounds in the Villarreal academy. His goal is to debut professionally in a few years with the ‘Yellow Submarine’ and he will fight tirelessly until he achieves it.

For now, he feels quite comfortable at El Madrigal and is already thinking about winning a new Girona Cup, which will be played in June. In addition to that competition, there are other interesting challenges ahead in his career and he is happy to face them.

At just 14 years old, the Peruvian jewel sees a very promising future. It will be up to him how far he can go in Europe. Meanwhile, the path she has traced has a very positive direction, so with the ‘Yellow Submarine’ she will try to continue sailing to a good port.