From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alberto Zapater Arjol (born 13 June 1985 in Zaragoza, Aragon) is a Spanish footballer, currently playing for Real Zaragoza in La Liga. His position is defensive midfielder, or volante as the position is referred to in Spanish.

In 2004 Zapater was first recognised for being a promising young player, after compleing a successful season in the youth league with Real Zaragoza. He scored fourteen goals and was noted for being a very strong midfielder, as well as having great passing ability. The club's first team staff were informed of Zapater's huge potential, and the then manager Víctor Muñoz allowed him to join the first team in pre-season training.

He impressed Muñoz so much that he was given his first-team debut on Zaragoza's first game of the 2004/05 season against Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup. Although Zaragoza ended up losing the first-leg match at home 1-0, Zapater shone and impressed many Blanquillos on the night. So much so in fact, that he was once again selected in the holding role for the return leg at the Mestalla. Zaragoza beat Valencia 3-1 and won the Spanish Super Cup for the first time. In Zapater, the Zaragoza fans now had a new hero - a local, home-grown player that had a lot of talent.

In the 2004/05 season he had earned himself a regular place in the first team at just nineteen years of age. This was a disappointing season for the club as they finished only 11th in the league, but nevertheless Zapater had been a revelation. He took part in thirty-one games, scoring once and impressing fans and pundits alike. He gained UEFA Cup experience as well as caps for Spain-under-21s. He also took part in the Under-20s World Youth Championship for Spain, where he once again impressed in a very strong Spanish side, including players such as Cesc Fàbregas and Sergio Ramos, both of whom have since gained full international caps for Spain and took part in World Cup 06.

In the 2005/06 season, Zapater helped the club finish as runners-up in the Copa del Rey to RCD Espanyol. He is now regarded as one of the most important players at La Romareda and has certainly become a regular and a favourite amongst fans. He took part in more games this season, appearing in thirty-five games in total, although not scoring in any. His strong tackling and the amount of fouls he has committed earned him the nickname of 'The Bull', given to him by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona. On June 8, 2006, reports in Spain linked him with a move to Liverpool.

Maradona has famously called this player "a butcher" for his infamous hard tackles. On the 12th of November 2006, in the Barcelona vs Real Zaragoza game, Zapater broke Lionel Messi's foot in the 8th minute of the game, after treading on his foot. He went on to go in a very late tackle on Jose Edmilson, landing him an ankle injury in the process. He then went on to tackle Andres Iniesta on his knee, injuring him too and finally getting booked in the process.

• Alberto Zapater fansite (Catalan)
• ESPN profile
• Eurosport profile
• Soccerbase profile