Like father, like son

Just what do LaLiga stars Denis Cheryshev, Kenan Kodro and Dani Aquino all have in common? Whilst it's well known that the trio are footballers, did you know that they also share the status of having dads who graced the Spanish professional ranks? The trio have followed in the footsteps of their fathers, Dmitri Cheryshev, Meho Kodro and Daniel 'Toro' Aquino in making it professionally in the game, but the latter represent far more than just a dad to these three, they're moreover their idols. To mark Father's Day (celebrated today in Spain) we take a look at the influence that these former players have had on their sons' careers and hear about some of the pearls of wisdom they dished out along the way.

Real Madrid's Denis Cheryshev has enjoyed loan spells at Sevilla FC, Villarreal CF and is currently starring at Valencia CF, but despite boasting an impressive CV, the Russia-born winger still retains fond memories of his early days in Spain after his family upped sticks from Moscow when Cheryshev Sr signed for R. Sporting, "I used to go to the Molinon every Sunday to watch him play and I had a great time there. I'll never forget those days, they're part of my youth."

Like Cheryshev, Kenan Kodro also has special memories of his younger days, which were spent watching his old man turn out for Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona, "I remember going to the ground with my mum and my grandparents. Later on, as you grow up, I started to realise just what a high-profile figure my father was back then." As for Dani Aquino, the CD Numancia forward admits to enjoying reliving the goals his dad scored during his playing days with R.Murcia, "whenever I get the chance, I love watching videos of him in action."

From a young age, the trio all had no doubts as to what they wanted to do later in life, decisions which their fathers fully accepted and supported. Cheryshev recalls how, "from a young age I wanted to do what my dad was doing. He said to me that I could choose to become whatever I wanted, but I was absolutely certain that I wanted to do the same thing as him." Similarly, Aquino Jr speaks of his father's professional guidance and his joy at his son's decision to become a footballer, "my father told me that whatever I went on to do, it had to be something I'd enjoy. He was delighted that I became a footballer."

In Kodro's case, earning a living playing football seemed the natural choice, with the At. Osasuna hitman revealing that, "at home the only thing we talked about was football. I used to go and watch my dad play and I'd ask him lots of questions, he had a big influence on me. He gave me shirts, balls and the fact that I started playing football was something that came totally naturally."
Just as any dad would, Dmitri Cheryshev, Meho Kodro and Daniel Toribio Aquino all sought to protect their sons as they were making their way in the game. As Dani Aquino points out, "a father wants to protect their child from all of the negative elements surrounding football, and my dad always tried to shield me from all of that so that I could enjoy all of the great things that this sport offers."

Despite having now made it in the game, all three tell of how they still turn to those who know them best for pointers on how to improve, as Cheryshev confesses, "I speak to him before and after every game and he tries to help me. He never interferes with the coach's job, he tries to give me a hand and offers advice on certain aspects of my game. When he gives his opinion it's always to try to help me improve and to prevent me from resting on my laurels."

These three footballing 'like father, like son' case studies have seen the beautiful game succeed in bringing their protagonists closer together, and indeed has served to strengthen their bonds, as Kenan Kodro confirms, "ultimately football is a big connector for us, because we share many things and that's positive for a father-son relationship."

In a quirky coincidence, the trio have all ended up playing in similar positions to their fathers and, as one might expect, they have tried to model their game on their seniors. Dani Aquino is in no doubt in this regard, "I've always said that my dad is my idol, as someone to base myself on, both as a person and as a footballer." Cheryshev and Kodro also subscribe to this view, with the former highlighting one element of his father's game that he particularly admires, "I loved his pace, I'm yet to see another player with his speed and explosiveness".

All three are also very clear that they wouldn't mind if their sons ended up inheriting their profession, leaving us to wonder whether perhaps in a few years' time we'll be talking about a third LaLiga generation of Kodros, Aquinos and Cheryshevs.