21 Questions With... Darius Palma

Name: Darius Palma
Age: 20
Trafford Appearances: 36
Trafford Goals: 6
Debut: 20th February 2018 v Droylsden FC (Manchester cup) 

Darius Palma is a 20 year old winger/attacking midfielder/left back/left wing-back. Having arrived at Trafford from Altrincham F.C. in early 2018, Darius has become a fans favourite, especially after his hat-trick away at Market Drayton this season.

Darius Palma

 1. It feels like you've been at Trafford for a lot longer than you have and yet you have only just turned 20 (if I'm correct). How much would you say your game has improved since you arrived?

It does feel like I’ve been here a long time but it’s actually only my first full season at the club, the lads have been class with me and settled me in really well, I’ve just turned 20 and would say I’ve improved my all round game a lot more playing a long side them all.

2. Like a few players in the squad, you appear to be adept playing in a variety of positions, where do you prefer to play?

To be honest, I’d never actually played left back/left wing back in my life until I came to Trafford. I don’t mind playing there if that’s where I’m needed but I prefer playing on the wing and running at defenders as I’m more of an attack minded player.

3. The supporters club are starting to think there is a curse on the POTM award; it seems everyone who has won it this season has had a poor month after. Are the players aware of it at all?

The lads were saying this in the changing rooms a few weeks ago, everyone so far who has won player of the month has dropped off a bit and not played as well, apart from Ally Brown who’s class week in, week out.

4. Aside from the football, you've be known to have dabbled in a bit of kick boxing, what's your fight record?

I’ve done and been around kick boxing for a long time from about the age of 6/7, so I had plenty of junior fights. I’ve now had 14 professional adult fights with 10 wins 1 draw and 3 losses.

5. Is it true you've now given the fighting up? Is so, how come?

Wouldn’t say I’ve given up because I’m sure I will probably go back to it sometime just at the moment it’s hard to commit to training as football training falls on the same days and time.

5. Did you ever consider giving up the footy instead?

I have considered giving up the football on a few occasions but it’s a sport I love and enjoy playing and I wouldn’t know what to do on a weekend if I didn’t play. 

6. You seem quite chilled out on the pitch, have you ever been close to round housing another player? 

I’m not an aggressive player, I am quite chilled out on the pitch to be honest. I have the odd arguments with some players on the pitch and have felt like round housing them but it’s not worth the red card haha!

7. Considering you must only weigh about 9 stone, who P4P,  is the hardest in our squad?

Well Burnsey likes to think he’s P4P the hardest, deep down I know I am but I’ll let the other lads keep thinking that they are.

8. Best moment in a Trafford shirt?

Best moment in a Trafford shirt was either scoring in the cup final against FC United or scoring a hat-trick against Market Drayton, I’ll let you decide.

9. And the worst?

Worst moment in a Trafford shirt... I wouldn’t say I’ve had a worst moment at the club yet but the 3-3 draw with Newcastle Town was a tough one for us all to take after being 3-0 up.

10. Best player you've played with?

That’s a tough one to be honest, have to say all the lads at Trafford now, some of the football that they play is quality and class to watch and also to be part of.

11. And against?

I don’t really know who the best player I’ve played against. I have played against some quality players but can’t decide who the best one is.

12. Do you have a favourite away ground? If so why?

Don’t have a favourite away ground, Trafford’s pitch is by far the best in the league and no ground comes close to it.

13. Least favourite away ground and why?

Least favourite away ground has to be Prescot Cables, I think that ground is a curse to Trafford FC but that pitch is definitely not for us.

14. Football team you support?

Only one football team I will ever support. Manchester United.

15. As one of the younger members of the squad,  have any of the 'older' more 'experienced' players given you any solid advice or helped you out particularly?

Burnsey has took me under his wing and he’s given me lots of advice to make me a better player, he’s now trying to get me in the gym with him as I’ve got ‘worm strength’ according to him haha. Ally Brown also helps me a lot when I’m playing on the right side telling me where I need to be and what runs to make etc.

16. Sporting hero

My sporting hero has to be Messi, the way he dribbles with the ball and gets past players is crazy, sometimes it’s questionable on how he does it.

17. Which is physically tougher; football or kick boxing?

Physically I would say kick boxing 100%. You have to be training constantly: diet, lose a lot of weight to get down to the agreed fight weight etc and it is very tough to do.

19. Other hobbies (other than kicking balls and shins)?

I have no other hobbies other than football and kick boxing but occasionally I will sit in on PS4 and play Fifa.

20. First ever car (and what do you drive now)?

My first ever car was a black Vauxhall Corsa. I've not got a car at the moment, saving for my new one.

21. Who is your nomination for 21 Questions With?

My nomination for the next 21 question is Liam Ellis.

Thanks Darius, top stuff and good luck for the rest of the season.