Europa League Special Part 4: Contenders for the trophy – Villarreal FC
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D.
History:
Villarreal is not your usual club. For those who don’t know, Villarreal played their first Spanish Primera Division campaign in the 1998/99 season. This may come as a surprise to many who don’t follow the Spanish League. Villarreal FC was formed in 1923 which played in local leagues until the Spanish Civil War. The war left the Spanish League in complete disarray, Villarreal falling victim of it as well. The club played in the fourth division of the Spanish football and only cemented itself as a Segunda Division (second division) club in the early 90’s.
The club was relegated in its first season in the La Liga but earned straight promotion in the following season and ever since then, it has cemented its place as one of the top Spanish club’s in the league.
Villarreal is not new to European success as the club won consecutive UEFA Intertoto Cups in 2003 and 2004. The biggest European achievement for the club however remains their sole UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance against English club Arsenal FC. Last season, the club finished 7th in the Spanish league to earn a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Defence:
Villarreal FC has a good defence albeit one that lacks adequate backups. In Diego Lopez, Villarreal have one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Gonzalo Rodriguez and Carlos Marchena make up for a strong centre back pairing. In Joan Capdevila, Villarreal posses the best left back in the league. Angel Lopez is steady if not spectacular on the right back position. The loss of Diego Godin to Atletico Madrid earlier this season was a huge loss as the centre back was a quality player. The defence will be put under immense stress if any of the current back four loose out to an injury.
Midfield:
In midfield, the clubs boasts of Marcos Senna and Santiago Cazorla who won Euro 2008 with the La Furia Roja. Borja Valero Iglesias and Bruno Soriano Llido are decent players but not anything more. The club lacks the quality to replace the midfielders. The Yellow Submarines have been forced to play Nilmar as a winger on numerous occasions; such is the lack of depth plaguing the club.
Attack:
For all their shortcomings, the club has an excellent attack. Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar are two lethal finishers; Rossi in particular possesses sublime ball playing skills. The duo is ably backed up by Altidore and the talented Marco Rubin.
The one key player:
The Brazilian Nilmar was acquired by the club from Internacional in 2009 and has gone on to make 36 league appearances. The striker is able to turn a game on its head with his moments of genius; in Europe, players of his calibre frequently decide the ties. His dribbling skills and searing pace is a potent asset that any team would love to have.
Chances:
Villarreal’s main weakness is their poor squad depth. With the squad coach Juan Carlos Garrido has at his calling, he cannot compete in the league and at the European front. Marco Ruben recently stated that escaping from the group stage is the team’s priority. Villarreal would like to top the group and hope for easy fixtures ahead but winning the cup at the end of the season is not on their priority list. The club would put all their energy in regaining a Champions League spot.
Prediction:
Villarreal to be eliminated in the Round of 16.
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