David Villa: A Legend in the Making
David Villa is one of the deadliest strikers in the world, and is one of the most important players for the Spanish National side. David Villa first emerged on the national scene taking over the No 7 from Raul and acting possibly as his replacement. This was met with a lot of critique, as Raul is considered as the best striker of Spain, and was still playing Club football. However, this bold move paid off, as Villa silenced all the critics with his fabulous performances in the team.
Villa became an immediate star in the Euro 2008, leading his team as the highest goal-scorer in the tournament. He also showed his abilities as a good support player and came up with two assists as well. It was quite unfortunate for the striker to miss out on the final due to an injury, but winning the Cup was a memorable moment of his career.
David Villa also remained the top scorer for the Spanish side in the World Cup Qualifiers, but his international success did not lead him to the big Clubs. He played for Valencia for the last five seasons and also managed to get a Golden Boot in La Liga. For the next season, however, he has been hired by Barcelona, where he would have all the chances to shine.
Right now, David Villa has been tipped by the pundits to replace Raul as the all-time leading goal scorer of Spain, and Villa has all the potential to do that. Villa is quick and clever; these assets make it easy for him to dodge the defenders and create space for the shots in the opposition box. These abilities are also combined with his deadly aim; therefore, he rarely misses the chances he gets in the box. His precision is what makes him one of the most feared strikers in the world.
Playing alongside David Villa would be another renowned Spaniard Fernando Torres. This would make for the most explosive partnership in the World Cup, as both players have the same ability to score for their team. The only problem that Villa has is his lack of strength or physical presence in the box. Because of this reason, he is easily intimidated by the defenders, if they are able to catch up to him. Therefore, Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque would like to play him behind the striker and in front of the midfield line. David Villa is more explosive when he attacks from the deep, as he also possesses the eye to look for openings and play his teammates. This would make a perfect combination with Fernando Torres, and while playing behind him, Villa would try to look for openings for open shots on goal and if he does not get any space, he would love to play the ball towards Fernando Torres. Thus, creativity and accuracy combined are present in this World Class talent.
Villa also has a long history of scoring against big teams on big occasions. In the national side, he will also be supported by the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Silva in the midfield. Silva would be an added advantage for Villa as he is also his teammate in Valencia. Both players know each other very well and their movements are quite synchronized. That is why they share plenty of goals between them for their club. Also, this would give an advantage to Villa to move towards left side and let Silva take his place, who also has proven himself to be a good goal scorer, especially on volleys and long-shots.
Playing for a club like Valencia, where there are only a few good players, Villa has transformed himself into an extremely versatile player. He can attack from the deep or play in the box. He also has the ability to take set-pieces and direct free-kicks and convert them into goals. Similarly, his selflessness on the pitch and his ability to involve other players into the play make him a good playmaker as well. Although he would not play the role of a target man, but still his other strengths would be enough for Vicente del Bosque to use him as one of the key players on the pitch.
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