Anselmo García MacNulty hoping to make European experience count with Ireland's U21
EURO EXPERIENCE: Anselmo Garcia MacNulty on Ireland U21 duty. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady
At just 20 years of age, Anselmo García MacNulty is still learning his craft as a centre-back while away from the football pitch, the talented youngster has other lessons in the pipeline as well.
But given he began with his hometown club Real Betis in Seville, is a Republic of Ireland underage international whose list of clubs include Vfl Wolfsburg in Germany before joining NAC Breda and now PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands, Garcia MacNulty has spent plenty of time in the classroom.
“Spanish, English and German,” he confirms are the three languages he can speak.
“Fluent Spanish and English. I understand German and can talk it but have forgotten a little bit from being in the Netherlands for three years.
“I want to start some language classes. For me, it’s always respectful to know the language of where you are. I would like to start learning Dutch.”
The cultured defender is more than comfortable with moving to a new country provided it is for the betterment of his football career.
It is that mindset that saw him leave Wolfsburg to join Dutch first division side NAC Breda on loan in the summer of 2022 before deciding to make the switch to the Netherlands permanent back in July when signing for PEC Zwolle, who are currently eighth in the Eredivisie.
“I knew there wasn’t a big chance to play at Wolfsburg and the important thing at my age is get minutes,” he continues.
“I knew that I was a good player but it’s tough there. They had good players in my position and knew it would be difficult to play.
“I had to get out for minutes and the NAC opportunity came, a great club in the second division, and played 38 games last season.
“I needed games to improve. You can train a lot, but the most learning is by playing games. It was a great decision, knowing I was capable of performing.
“I had a good year last season with NAC Breda and PEK were also in the second division. They got promoted and we lost in the playoffs.
“In the summer, I wanted to go on loan or get a deal. Then PEK appeared showing interest and I liked that option because I didn’t have to change countries.
“I knew the club, their style of play and where the club was. It was a great opportunity to play in the top division in Holland. I took that chance.
“The good thing for me is I’ve played in three countries, experiencing different styles.
“For example, in Germany, it’s really physical, which I improved from. My mentality also changed because I had to work hard in the gym, training how you play. I really learnt that in Germany.
“Spain was very technical and tactical. They put a lot into the tactical side, where you are on the pitch and what you have to do in that area.
“Holland is much the same, really technical but more physical than Spain. It’s about getting all the good things from each country into my game to improve.”
That decision could also benefit the Republic of Ireland U21s heading into this crucial double header away to Norway on Friday before they welcome Italy to Turner’s Cross next Tuesday.
Those two matches could go a long way to determining whether or not Ireland, who have recorded three wins out of three so far to top Group A, reach the U21 Euros in 2025.
To achieve that goal, they may need the European experience of their cultured centre-back.
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