Pirri was well known for his ferocity, leadership skills and versatility. Other than his two main positions, he was also deployed as a makeshift forward. Pirri played the 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup Final with his arm in a cast, and the decisive game of the 1974 Copa del Rey with fever and a broken clavicle. For his services to Real Madrid, he was only one of two players to have the Laureada being bestowed upon him by president Santiago Bernabéu – the other being Gregorio Benito. He was real captain and leader, very combative and brave, with powerful and precise shot, scored many important and decisive goals. Although of small size, he was excellent in heading with great leap, besides he had good dribbling, ball control and passing range. He spent the vast majority of his career with Real Madrid, appearing in 561 competitive games and scoring 172 goals while winning 15 titles. He also served as captain of the club.