Ignasi Miquel

Club career

Early career

Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Miquel spent five years at La Masia academy before being released. Miquel transferred to UE Cornellà but it wasn't long before Miquel was playing for the club's reserve team, leading to a call up to the Spanish under 16's. A series of outstanding performances for the Spanish Youth side caught the eye of some of the world's biggest clubs. Manchester United and Valencia CF both faxed trial offers, showing how his stock had risen in just a few months. Arsenal however made a straight cash offer without a trial and an agreement was struck.

Arsenal

Ignasi joined the club just after his 16th birthday, making his debut in the Zinedine Zidane Tournament held in Cannes. Miquel made 12 appearances for the reserves in the 2009–10 season, becoming reserve team captain. He was selected as part of the first team squad for Cup games against Ipswich Town and Leeds United in January 2011 but did not feature in either game. On 20 February 2011, prior to Arsenal's FA Cup fifth round match against Leyton Orient, it was announced that he would be starting his first competitive match for the club. He played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal drew with Leyton Orient 1–1. On 2 March, Miquel played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal beat Leyton Orient 5–0 in the FA Cup replay at the Emirates.

2011–12 season

Ignasi enjoyed a season to remember in the first team after being called into action in both the Premier League and Champions League. Miquel made his Premier League debut against Liverpool on 20 August 2011, coming on for the injured Laurent Koscielny in the 16th minute as Arsenal lost 2–0. Liverpool's first goal occurred when Miquel's clearance hit Aaron Ramsey's chest, resulting in an own goal. Miquel made his second appearance of the season and his debut in the Football League Cup in the 3–1 win against Shrewsbury Town. Miquel would go on to play every minute of Arsenal's 2011–12 League Cup campaign as they reached the Fifth Round before being knocked out by Manchester City. On 6 December 2011, Miquel made his UEFA Champions League debut for Arsenal in the 3–1 away defeat to Olympiacos, coming on for André Santos in the 51st minute. On 9 January 2012, Miquel made his first FA Cup appearance of the season, starting at left-back as Arsenal beat Leeds United 1–0 in the Third Round. On 15 January 2012, Miquel made his first Premier League start in the 3–2 defeat to Swansea City, playing the full 90 minutes at left-back.

2012–13 season

Miquel made his first start of the season and scored his first career goal in the 6–1 victory over Coventry City FC in the League Cup. Miquel headed home an Andrei Arshavin cross from close range. Miquel made his first Premier League appearance of the season in the 1–0 away victory over Sunderland AFC, replacing Theo Walcott as a substitute in the 88th minute.

Loan to Leicester City

On 9 August 2013, Miquel joined Championship side Leicester City on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season. Ignasi made his debut for The Foxes on 27 August 2013 in the 5–2 away win over Carlisle United in the second-round of the League Cup.

Miquel scored his first goal for the club against Fulham on 30 October 2013, in the League Cup, helping his side progress into the quarter-finals (with a 4–3 win).

Norwich City

Miquel joined Championship club Norwich City a few hours before the close of the 2014 summer transfer window on a three-year deal with an option of a further 12 months. He made his debut on 23 September, starting in a 0–1 loss to League Two team Shrewsbury Town in the third round of the League Cup. His only other appearance of the season came on 3 January 2015 in the third round of the FA Cup, a 0–2 defeat at League One Preston North End.

Ponferradina / Lugo

On 30 July 2015 Miquel signed a two-year deal with SD Ponferradina, after his contract with Norwich was ended early by mutual agreement. On 1 July 2016, after Ponfe's relegation, he moved to CD Lugo also in the second division.

International career

Miquel played for the Spain under-19 team that won the 2011 European Championship. He was ever-present, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in every game. Miquel made his debut for the Spanish U21 team on Tuesday 5 February 2013 in the 1–1 draw against Belgium, coming on as a 57th minutes substitute for Jordi Amat.

Club statistics

As of 3 January 2015