Valencia FC faced this season in a uncertain financial situation, an owner that is not willing to invest on the team and astounding laziness in the sporting department. A homegrown manager like Rubén Baraja has given them the stability that seemed impossible after last season.
‘El Pipo’ has done it in a very romantic way, as he left it all up to players from the team’s subsidiary squad that played in the Spanish Segunda RFEF. A season later, they have enamoured every fan of the sport.
Peter Lim is still refusing to invest a dime on Valencia, but players like Javi Guerra, Diego López and Fran Pérez have proven, once again, that the team’s academies are there to fulfill a role. After Baraja entrusted them last season, they have received consistent playing time, thus proving that they are fantastic footballers.
Javi Guerra has stood out the most, as he is probably the most well-rounded of the three and is already drawing interest around Europe. Diego López is very technically-gifted player who thrives on the opposite wing to his strong foot and who likes to associate with his teammates. He plays in a very aesthetically pleasing way that generates excitement at Mestalla.
However, the most underrated player of the crew is Fran Pérez. He might be the least practical, but you can tell he is the son of Rufete because of the way he gives his all to fight for every loose ball. A rapid winger that thrives with open space and who plays with a lot of intensity.
Along with these three, there is Christian Mosquera, a centre-back with tremendous physical power that has been Diakhaby’s partner and has performed really well at the young age of 19.
The team’s young core is also complemented by players who give their all for the badge, like Gayà, Hugo Duro or Thierry Correia, who prove, week in and week out, that they have what it takes to play at the highest tier of Spanish football in spite of their relatively young age.
The cherry on top is one of the few signings that they have made this season, a player that comes from the Second Division. Pepelu arrived in a transfer from Levante last summer, but the potential of this young baller was relatively unknown. 17 rounds into the season, he has proven to be the leader of this team, as he has consistently displayed his diverse qualities in solid performances.
This saturday against FC Barcelona, he was among the best players in Valencia and, along with his coach, Rubén Baraja, they are two of the main reasons why a team with such limited resources and a scarce roster stand in the tenth position as well as in a stable environment.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: @ValenciaCF.
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