At Everton between 2013 - 2018
Highly rated Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles joined Everton in July 2013 after signing from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal.
The 6ft 5in Getafe-born shot-stopper made the permanent switch to England after enjoying a short loan spell with Wigan Athletic in the second half of the 2012/13 season.
The custodian, only 23 when he joined, played a starring role in the Latics’ FA Cup success last season, no more so than in the final where he kept a clean sheet in their surprise victory against Manchester City.
That appearance at Wembley was one of 13 he made during his five-month stay with Wigan as, after breaking into the team, his impressive performances kept the much more experienced Ali Al-Habsi out of the team.
Robles started out at Getafe’s academy before joining the youth setup at Atletico Madrid in 2005.
He made his senior debut in May 2010 against Sporting Gijon after spending virtually all of his first season as a professional with their ‘B’ side in Segunda Division B – the third tier of Spanish football.
After David De Gea joined Manchester United in the summer of 2011, Joel was promoted to Atletico’s first choice stopper for a short period. He played just three matches, however, before Belgium international Thibaut Courtois was recruited from Chelsea.
With opportunities limited, Joel joined La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano on loan for the second half of the 2011/12 season before his similar-length stay with Wigan 12 months later.
A youth international, Joel has represented Spain at Under-16, Under-17 and, most recently, Under-21 level.
He was part of the Spain squad that triumphed at this summer’s U21 Championships, although he did not feature in any of their five matches at the tournament in Israel.
Robles predominantly appeared in cup competitions during his debut season at Everton, with Roberto Martinez sticking with the same policy he adopted at Wigan.
In total, Joel made eight starts and one substitute appearance in 2013/14.
Joel left Everton at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Source: Evertonfc.com
