Shaq Moore: I've learned a lot at Levante LaLiga - Levante The U.S. defender speaks exclusively with MARCA

It all went by so fast. The match kicked off and moments later the final whistle could be heard in the Camp Nou. In reality it was 90 minutes like any other football match, but for Levante defender Shaq Moore it was a moment to cherish greatly despite the 3-0 defeat that his team suffered last 7th of January.

It was another example of what has been a season to remember for Shaq at Levante: Debut with the first team, debut in thePrimera División and a starter at the Camp Nou.

Only the fourth U.S. player in the entire history of the first division of Spanish football, Shaq is enjoying this nice moment in his career, but at the same time he knows to keep his feet on the floor.

"It's been a whirlwind, to debut with the first team and play against Messi was a really great experience," said Shaq to MARCA and added, "but the most important thing is that I continue growing as a footballer, learning and helping the team."

So far Shaq has featured in six league matches and two in the cup, his last match being a 2-0 defeat at home to Espanyol on January 11 which eliminated Levante from the Copa. Since then Shaq has only gotten minutes with Paco López's Atlético Levante.

That uncertainty could disturb any footballer, but Shaq acknowledges that he needs to improve several aspects of his game and the matches with the reserve side offer a chance to fine-tune those details.

"With Atlético I can work on things, like defending in one v ones, my positioning during different game situations. It is an opportunity to improve. [First team manager] Muñiz, Paco and I are all on the same page," explained Shaq.

Last week there were rumors about a loan for Shaq to a second division side, but in the end the youngster from Georgia has remained with the Valencian outfit and is looking to win himself for more minutes in 2018.

"A loan was an option, but everyone thought it was better that I stayed here. I'm going to keep training, working hard and making the most of the minutes that the coach gives me," commented Shaq.

It goes without saying that Coke's arrival to the team has taken away the minutes that Shaq had before, but that doesn't bother the American player. In fact, being able to share the dressing room with Coke has been another chance to grow more as a footballer.

His relationship with Coke

"I have a good relationship with Coke. He's played at the highest level of football and I've learned a lot from him. He's helped me a lot," revealed Shaq.

For the recently promoted Levante, avoiding relegation is the team's number one priority. They are 17th in the table following Saturday's 2-2 draw against Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Shaq believes that the team will earn safety.

"We have a good team. This league is hard, the other teams are really good. I think if we stay together, we are going to get the points that we need," stressed Shaq.

With the United States national team not going to the World Cup in Russia, that has opened the door for the team's youngsters. Shaq, who played in a Under-20 World Cup with the U.S., has still not been called to the senior team, but hopes to be part of a new group that is looking to recover the pride of the national team.

"The truth is that I'm really just focused on working hard here. I'm not going to crazy about it, but yeah, I'm motivated to be a part of a new generation of players that can lead the team in the future, to the Qatar World Cup in 2022. It's a new start, a new breath of fresh air for the national team," he concluded.