Latin star looks to strut his stuff at Livingston

Jan 15 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ALEJANDRO Caiaffa has represented his country at under-20 level.

He’s excelled in the world famous IMG Soccer Academy in Florida.

And he’s spent time training at the Nou Camp with the mighty Barcelona.

But the 19-year-old would trade it all for a top-team chance with Livingston.

Caiaffa arrived in West Lothian last summer but since then he has been kicking his heels in cold storage as he has been adjusting to life in the Scottish First Division.

But the Colombian reckons he is ready now to break into the Lions top team if boss Paul Hegarty takes a chance on him.

Caiaffa said: “The gaffer has just been for a few weeks so he wants to see me play and judge what I can do for him in the team.

“I come from a very different style of football so it has taken me a little time to adapt but I’ve been working hard every day in training and I really hope I get my chance on the field.

“I played Italian-style in America as we had Italian coaches and of course I’m also used to the South American style from my time in Colombia.

“The big difference in the move has been the passing style. In Scotland there is a lot of long ball play whereas I prefer to play with possession in a more tactical way.

“I like being at Livingston and all I want to do is play football and I feel I’ve learned a lot here.”

Caiaffa’s Livi contract expired at the New Year and his future is currently up in the air but the teenage midfielder is in no doubt about what he wants for the future.

He continued: “I don’t think I’d change my style of possession play but I think I could do well for Livingston if I get the chance.

“We play a lot more football than many of the teams in the league as Livingston aren’t the tallest or biggest of teams so we do play in a more technical way.

“Ideally, I’d like to get a chance in the team and play every week and try to win the league.

“I’ve not seen any teams who are superior to us so I can’t see why we can’t get promoted.”

Caiaffa was captain of the IMG Academy in Florida and it wasn’t long before the big league scouts were hovering over the Academy and he was lured to Europe for trials.

“I played football for the IMG in Florida and I also finished my high school there as well,” he said.

“I was spotted playing in a tournament by Barcelona and they invited me to Spain for a trial. I stayed a month and played three friendly matches at the Mini Estadi.

“But it was my last year at under-19 level and I wanted to play so, although it was a very good experience, I decided to move on.

The ball-playing midfield prospect is desperate to get the chance to make his Lions bow and bring some South American flair to the First Division ranks.