Yeah I know this isn't about Valencia CF, but in a way it is news concerning Valencia CF. Angel Di Maria sustained a hamstring problem in Real Madrid's 7-1 victory over Osasuna. The initial reports is that he will be sidelined for one month and that means that he is not going to be in the squad to face Valencia.
As you know Kaka is also injured, although he may return by then, but certainly won't be fit enough. So this is great news for Valencia CF as Di Maria has been great on the right side for Madrid.
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Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Levante 0-2 Valencia CF - Player Ratings
Guaita 7 - Had to make few saves, including two difficult shots and did so superbly. Another quality performance from the keeper.
Bruno N/A - Got injured in the early stages and was replaced by Barragan.
Rami 6 - Not as good as he usually is, got beaten twice by direct running and got bailed out by Ruiz, quite poor performance.
Ruiz 7 - Great performance from the young defender, stopped few crucial attacks and bailed out Rami on few occasions as well. Was a rock at the back and even helped out in midfield plentifully.
Mathieu 6 - Had one solid cross that Soldado just barely failed to get to and provided few good attacking opportunities, but defensively was rather weak and got beaten quite a few times.
Feghuoli 7.5 - Great performance by Feghuoli, was all over the pitch involved in pretty much every attack and provided some much needed attacking threat.
Albelda 6 - Did quite well to stop Levantes attacks and provided few basic passes, reliable as always.
Tino 7.5 - Stepped up his game and provided the assist to the first goal and then scored the second goal. Was dominant in the midfield and kept things working. If he continues having performances of this level he can easily dethrone Banega.
Alba 6 - He did quite well in attack, linking up with few of the players, but when going back to defend made a lot of mistakes. Also got tired towards the end and apart from his goal, it wasn't a great performance.
Aduriz 6 - Found himself with few half baked opportunities, but couldn't quite make something out of it.
Soldado 5.5 - Quite lacking and apart from few defensive contributions that was it. Rightfully substituted over Aduriz.
Subs:
Barragan 6 - Provided a good attacking outlay, went forward as much as possible although with limited success and did well enough defensively. I actually felt more at ease with him playing then with Bruno.
Piatti 5.5 - Full of running in the time he had and did have some good solo runs, although could not create something as Valencia were on the defensive at the time.
Pablo N/A - Not enough time, although he did make quite a bit of mistakes in his short time.
Bruno N/A - Got injured in the early stages and was replaced by Barragan.
Rami 6 - Not as good as he usually is, got beaten twice by direct running and got bailed out by Ruiz, quite poor performance.
Ruiz 7 - Great performance from the young defender, stopped few crucial attacks and bailed out Rami on few occasions as well. Was a rock at the back and even helped out in midfield plentifully.
Mathieu 6 - Had one solid cross that Soldado just barely failed to get to and provided few good attacking opportunities, but defensively was rather weak and got beaten quite a few times.
Feghuoli 7.5 - Great performance by Feghuoli, was all over the pitch involved in pretty much every attack and provided some much needed attacking threat.
Albelda 6 - Did quite well to stop Levantes attacks and provided few basic passes, reliable as always.
Tino 7.5 - Stepped up his game and provided the assist to the first goal and then scored the second goal. Was dominant in the midfield and kept things working. If he continues having performances of this level he can easily dethrone Banega.
Alba 6 - He did quite well in attack, linking up with few of the players, but when going back to defend made a lot of mistakes. Also got tired towards the end and apart from his goal, it wasn't a great performance.
Aduriz 6 - Found himself with few half baked opportunities, but couldn't quite make something out of it.
Soldado 5.5 - Quite lacking and apart from few defensive contributions that was it. Rightfully substituted over Aduriz.
Subs:
Barragan 6 - Provided a good attacking outlay, went forward as much as possible although with limited success and did well enough defensively. I actually felt more at ease with him playing then with Bruno.
Piatti 5.5 - Full of running in the time he had and did have some good solo runs, although could not create something as Valencia were on the defensive at the time.
Pablo N/A - Not enough time, although he did make quite a bit of mistakes in his short time.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Valencia CF vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Match preview
Valencia CF vs Bayer Leverkusen
Stadium: Mestalla
01.11.2011; 20:45 CET
4th fixture champions league
Expected attendance: 47.000
Coaches: Unai Emery and Robin Dutt
The fourth fixtures of the Champions League are upon us and Valencia CF will welcome Bayer Leverkusen at the Mestalla for a
footballing spectacle, well okay maybe not quite, but this is going to
be a very interesting match nonetheless as Valencia CF try to exact revenge for their loss in Germany and try and make a strong push to win all their remaining games to continue in the Champions League.
This is a must win match for both clubs and a loss here will probably
mean going down to the Europa League or worse yet maybe even finishing
last in the group. A draw will not serve both clubs and will mean Valencia CF is surely falling out of the Champions League and going down to the Europe League, although that wouldn't be sure either.
Valencia CF is coming to this match after a convincing win on 3-1 in the weekend against Getafe CF and the team are looking to build on that momentum and try and get a so desired win against Bayer Leverkusen that is going to allow Valencia to be in contention for second place in the group and going to the round of 16. This is a desperate situation and anything but a win would spell the end for Valencia CF in the champions league.
While the Europe league isn't bad either, you get a lot less money out of it and of course its not as prestigious, although its actually very competitive.
While the Europe league isn't bad either, you get a lot less money out of it and of course its not as prestigious, although its actually very competitive.
If you haven't heard Valencia CF have two long term injured players in Maduro and Canales, but other than that everyone so far is in good health and fitness and Emery's got the full squad to choose from. Who he chooses to start is a different matter though as Feghuoli has been playing better and better, while Pablo has been playing worse and worse and will he deem Alba or Mathieu better at left wing that say putting Pablo there or Piatti. If anythign our options on the left are quite big, but not very quality and previously Mata was so good there providing assists and scoring goals frequently and helping out the team.
Valencia CF squad:
Goalkeepers: Alves, Guaita.
Defenders: Bruno, Miguel, Barragan, Rami, Victor Ruiz, R.Costa, Dealbert, Jordi Alba, Mathieu.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Éver, T. Costa, Pablo, Feghouli, Piatti, Parejo.
Forwards: Jonas, Adúriz, Soldado.
Goalkeepers: Alves, Guaita.
Defenders: Bruno, Miguel, Barragan, Rami, Victor Ruiz, R.Costa, Dealbert, Jordi Alba, Mathieu.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Éver, T. Costa, Pablo, Feghouli, Piatti, Parejo.
Forwards: Jonas, Adúriz, Soldado.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen on the other hand is with one foot in the round of 16 and even a draw would benefit them, and of course a win would mean they are in the round of 16. They are likely to defend though and try and get a draw, which in a way pretty much guarantees they go in the round of 16. The one thing they wouldn't want though is to loose as that would open up a chance for Valencia CF.
Bayer so far have not been too good in their national championship and are currently in the middle of the table with 17 points out of 11 played games. Of course in Spain that would probably put you in 6th or 7th position and so in that regard they are not weak and are certainly not in a crisis or anything.
Bad news for Bayer Leverkusen is that Ballack broke his nose in the last match and is not going to feature for his team, so that is a relief for Valencia CF and a big negative for Bayer as they loose their most influential midfielder. Since Bayer met Valencia CF they lost a game to Schalke and won their last match against Freiburg.
Bayer Leverkisen squad: to be announced...
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Line-up: Diego; Bruno, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu; Banega, Topal; Pablo, Jonas, Feghuoli; Soldado.
Tactics: ?
Technical details Bayer Leverkusen (probable setups):
Formation: ?
Line-up: Leno; Kadlec, Reinartz, Castro, Schwaab; Sam, Renato, Balitsch, Bender; Schurrle, Derdiyok.
Tactics: ?
Result prediction:
Valencia CF 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
If we play at 100% and there aren't any defensive mistakes we should win this game. With Ballack injured Valencia should have an easier time dealing with Bayer's midfield.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Valencia CF 3-1 Getafe CF - Player Ratings
Guaita 6 - Made few easy saves, confident every time he was called on.
Miguel 6 - Made a mess for the Getafe goal, but improved later on and went on to made few crucial interceptions.
Rami 6 - Not his best match, but did good overall.
Ruiz 6 - Same as Rami, did not have too much to deal with though.
Mathieu 6.5 - Had few defensive mistakes, but did very well going forward though and started few of the attacks.
Albelda 6 - Had few blocks in the middle and provided some passing outlet, nothing of note though.
Banega 7.5 - At the heart of every Valencia attack. Was involved in all of the goals and provided the assist for the third goal. Made few smaller mistakes, but overall a great match for Banega.
Feghuoli 7.5 - Scored two goals and was a decent attack threat overall. Good game by Feghuoli.
Jonas 6.5 - Great link up play, good movement and was generally a threat to Getafe. Provided the assist to the second goal.
Pablo 6 - Involved in most of the attacks and provided few good passes, but nothing great.
Soldado 5.5 - Tried to get into dangerous positions and make something of the few balls he got, but generally ineffective.
Subs:
Alba 5.5 - Linked up 2-3 times with Mathieu and provided some speed on the flank, failed to constantly threaten Getafe and seemed to fall back to left back later and let Mathieu go forward more.
Aduriz 6 - Came in and scored a goal and it was a great goal, well timed run and great composure to push it into the net.
Piatti N/A - Not enough time
Overall this was a good match with some good attacking moves, though Banega lacks a passing partner. In Albelda you have a good cover and a simple passer, but there needs to be someone else who can also make the occasional through passes and control play.
As far as the attack I think Emery should play Aduriz more, he just showed that he can be more dangerous than Soldado at time, especially when Soldado is out of form. Although I wouldn't mind seeing Soldado and Aduriz starting as a duo against weaker teams and see how it goes, as last season we had very good games with both of them on the field.
Miguel 6 - Made a mess for the Getafe goal, but improved later on and went on to made few crucial interceptions.
Rami 6 - Not his best match, but did good overall.
Ruiz 6 - Same as Rami, did not have too much to deal with though.
Mathieu 6.5 - Had few defensive mistakes, but did very well going forward though and started few of the attacks.
Albelda 6 - Had few blocks in the middle and provided some passing outlet, nothing of note though.
Banega 7.5 - At the heart of every Valencia attack. Was involved in all of the goals and provided the assist for the third goal. Made few smaller mistakes, but overall a great match for Banega.
Feghuoli 7.5 - Scored two goals and was a decent attack threat overall. Good game by Feghuoli.
Jonas 6.5 - Great link up play, good movement and was generally a threat to Getafe. Provided the assist to the second goal.
Pablo 6 - Involved in most of the attacks and provided few good passes, but nothing great.
Soldado 5.5 - Tried to get into dangerous positions and make something of the few balls he got, but generally ineffective.
Subs:
Alba 5.5 - Linked up 2-3 times with Mathieu and provided some speed on the flank, failed to constantly threaten Getafe and seemed to fall back to left back later and let Mathieu go forward more.
Aduriz 6 - Came in and scored a goal and it was a great goal, well timed run and great composure to push it into the net.
Piatti N/A - Not enough time
Overall this was a good match with some good attacking moves, though Banega lacks a passing partner. In Albelda you have a good cover and a simple passer, but there needs to be someone else who can also make the occasional through passes and control play.
As far as the attack I think Emery should play Aduriz more, he just showed that he can be more dangerous than Soldado at time, especially when Soldado is out of form. Although I wouldn't mind seeing Soldado and Aduriz starting as a duo against weaker teams and see how it goes, as last season we had very good games with both of them on the field.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Real Zaragoza 0-1 Valencia CF - player ratings
Guaita 6 - Had a very quiet match with no saves apart from few punches.
Bruno 7 - Good defending and decent in attack, managed to provide a brilliant assist for the goal.
Dealbert 7 - Great defending and is showing that he can be relied upon when needed. Made few crucial interceptions and blocks.
Ruiz 6.5 - The weaker of the defending duo and while he was good on average he did make small mistakes.
Alba 7 - Made few mistakes early on in the first half, for example had two back-passes that went to Zaragoza and didn't do much it attack. Improved in the second half as he was put as a winger and made few good runs and scored the only goal.
Topal 6 - Made two great interceptions stopping Zaragoza's attack and provided some nice passes at times, but very limited in his contribution.
Banega 7 - Great performance with few mistakes, though what he has going for him is that everyone knows he's our main player and is immediately pressured. Still did great though and all play started from him.
Piatti 5.5 - Put on the right side, but it didn't have any positive effect. He was still very limited and couldn't really do anything even though he tried really hard as always.
Parejo 5.5 - Had few touches here and there and provided some outlet to pass to, but not much else. Needs to really step us his game and step it up soon.
Feghuoli 7 - The most active member of the team, run as if there is no tomorrow and was everywhere on the field left, right, attack, defense, midfield, everywhere. Had some good passes too and some slick one-two play with Soldado and others.
Soldado 6 - Was involved in some of the actions and link-up play and that brings him points, but he needs to score its pure and simple and should be in more dangerous positions and be able to score in any way.
Subs:
Mathieu 5.5 - Did well enough defensively and had one or two forward runs, but did not contribute too much.
Jonas 6 - Good showing as he immediately started linking up play and provided some much needed attacking depth, but did not threaten the goal directly.
Aduriz N/A - Not enough time
Lucky win as we were destined to get a draw with no shots on goal in the first half and no real chances in the second half. That Bruno assist was one off and I wouldn't expect him to get another one even in a million years.
So yeah even though we won it was a lucky win and it could have easily resulted in a draw, but luck was on our side this time. This doesn't mean that we are good to go though, as our attacking play is really lacking and we either can't score the chances we create or don't create any chances other times.
I'd like to suggest to Emery who probably has a translator reading him my blog to try and play Tino Costa as an attacking midfielder. That is his actual position and even though he played good last season as a CM, I think this season we should play him AM and I'm sure we are going to have a lot more chances going on, as well as someone that can shoot from far.
I also think Emery should play some of these "weaker" teams with two attackers in a 4-4-2 position and put Aduriz and Soldado in. I mean do you remember last season how many times the 4-4-2 formation with the Aduriz-Soldado duo has saved us from defeat? So why play Jonas so much with mixed results and not start Aduriz and Soldado together. Plus they complement each other very well as one is a more direct poacher type attacker and the other is a more powerful header attacker.
Bruno 7 - Good defending and decent in attack, managed to provide a brilliant assist for the goal.
Dealbert 7 - Great defending and is showing that he can be relied upon when needed. Made few crucial interceptions and blocks.
Ruiz 6.5 - The weaker of the defending duo and while he was good on average he did make small mistakes.
Alba 7 - Made few mistakes early on in the first half, for example had two back-passes that went to Zaragoza and didn't do much it attack. Improved in the second half as he was put as a winger and made few good runs and scored the only goal.
Topal 6 - Made two great interceptions stopping Zaragoza's attack and provided some nice passes at times, but very limited in his contribution.
Banega 7 - Great performance with few mistakes, though what he has going for him is that everyone knows he's our main player and is immediately pressured. Still did great though and all play started from him.
Piatti 5.5 - Put on the right side, but it didn't have any positive effect. He was still very limited and couldn't really do anything even though he tried really hard as always.
Parejo 5.5 - Had few touches here and there and provided some outlet to pass to, but not much else. Needs to really step us his game and step it up soon.
Feghuoli 7 - The most active member of the team, run as if there is no tomorrow and was everywhere on the field left, right, attack, defense, midfield, everywhere. Had some good passes too and some slick one-two play with Soldado and others.
Soldado 6 - Was involved in some of the actions and link-up play and that brings him points, but he needs to score its pure and simple and should be in more dangerous positions and be able to score in any way.
Subs:
Mathieu 5.5 - Did well enough defensively and had one or two forward runs, but did not contribute too much.
Jonas 6 - Good showing as he immediately started linking up play and provided some much needed attacking depth, but did not threaten the goal directly.
Aduriz N/A - Not enough time
So yeah even though we won it was a lucky win and it could have easily resulted in a draw, but luck was on our side this time. This doesn't mean that we are good to go though, as our attacking play is really lacking and we either can't score the chances we create or don't create any chances other times.
I'd like to suggest to Emery who probably has a translator reading him my blog to try and play Tino Costa as an attacking midfielder. That is his actual position and even though he played good last season as a CM, I think this season we should play him AM and I'm sure we are going to have a lot more chances going on, as well as someone that can shoot from far.
I also think Emery should play some of these "weaker" teams with two attackers in a 4-4-2 position and put Aduriz and Soldado in. I mean do you remember last season how many times the 4-4-2 formation with the Aduriz-Soldado duo has saved us from defeat? So why play Jonas so much with mixed results and not start Aduriz and Soldado together. Plus they complement each other very well as one is a more direct poacher type attacker and the other is a more powerful header attacker.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Real Zaragoza vs Valencia CF - Match Preview
Real Zaragoza vs Valencia CF
Stadium: La Romareda
26th October, 2011; 20:00CET
10th matchday, La Liga
Expected Attendance: 28.000
Coaches: Javier Aguirre and Unai Emery
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points. They are ranked 6th overall for cup wins with 6 victories in the Copa del Rey, and also have a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (forerunner to the UEFA Cup/Europa League), and a Spanish Supercup.
Real Zaragoza have had a poor start to the season with two losses, two draws and only one win, but they've also had some tough opponents like Real Betis who started magnificently, Malaga who are considered top 4 contenders this season with their big spending in the summer transfer window and have drawn with Villarreal, who although are having a bad time themselves are still a great team.
Zaragoza are currently 14th place on the table with only 9 points and they have the worst defensive record currently so if Valencia CF can't beat the team with the worst defensive record currently with 16 conceded goals its not saying too well about our strength. While their defense is atrocious and worst in the league right now, their attack is actually decent and floats with the rest of the teams.
Real Zaragoza squad: to be announced...
Valencia CF on the other hand are coming to this match after another failure on the weekend in which we only managed a draw and this was basically a rescued draw in the last minutes after Bilbao led for much of the second half. Our attack has been pretty bad this season and it seems like the departure of Mata is really hurting Valencia as right now there is yet to be someone who can step it up on the left wing and provide some much needed attacking threat. Currently the best we have is Mathieu and the fact that he is a left back, but playing as left wing speaks of the limited options Valencia has. Some of our summer purchases haven't turned out as hoped and whether its because they haven't had the time to settle in and/or gel or other it doesn't make the slightest difference as our results would any way still be bad.
The fact that Soldado has also been out of form and unable to score from few meters with an open net is also worrying, with Jonas being of similar form and Aduriz has just not had a full start to show himself and when he's been introduced as a substitution has failed to impress. We also have Paco in the wings, but knowing Emery the chances of him actually starting a match is slim to none.
Valencia also has some bad news from the doctors as Canales will be out at least 3 months with his current injury and this is if he doesn't undergo surgery, but chances are he is going to need surgery and is going to be out for at least 6 months, essentially making the season over for him. With Maduro also out for the next 3 months our options are quite reduced, although we still have depth and maybe this will allow Parejo to get more chances in his preferred position and that is attacking midfielder and not central midfielder where Emery has played him.
Valencia CF squad:
Goalkeepers: Guaita, Diego Alves.
Defenders: Barragán, Víctor Ruiz, Dealbert, Mathieu, Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Tino Costa, Parejo, Éver, Piatti, Pablo Hernández, Féghouli.
Attackers: Jonas, Soldado, Adúriz.
Defenders: Barragán, Víctor Ruiz, Dealbert, Mathieu, Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Tino Costa, Parejo, Éver, Piatti, Pablo Hernández, Féghouli.
Attackers: Jonas, Soldado, Adúriz.
Technical Details Real Zaragoza (probable setups):
Formation: ?
Line-up: Jimenez; Meira, P. Da Silva, Paredes, Mateos; Ponzio, Barrera, Juarez, Postiga; Luis Garcia, Lafita.
Tactics: Low defensive line, park the bus, crosses and counter attacks.
Technical details Valencia CF (probable setups):
Formation: 4-4-2
Line-up: Guaita; Bruno,
Tactics: High defensive line, all round pressure, mostly flank attacks, mixed passing.
Result prediction:
Real Zaragoza 1-3 Valencia CF
Zaragoza defense is the worst in La Liga and even though our attack is really ineffective right now we should have enough quality to put few in their net. Our defense is going to be shaky with Costa in once again and its likely we are going to concede one goal.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Valencia CF 1-1 Athletic Bilbao - player ratings
Guaita 6 - Made two great saves in the first half and was confident when coming forward punching. Let down by the defense for the goal.
Miguel 5 - Mixed bag as he and Costa failed to react to clear the ball early on which could resulted in goal, but Guaita saves two times and was after called offside. Had one more blunder in the second half.
Costa 4 - What a bad performance from Costa. Miscommunication with Miguel for the chance and goal that was ruled offside and again miscommunication with Ruiz for the goal. Lost Llorente twice in dangerous positions and couldn't really cope with the attacker.
Ruiz 6 - Cleared up for Costa so many times, but with Costa on his side our defense looked vulnerable.
Mathieu 6.5 - Did really well in the first half with few attacks one after another and generally did well in defense.
Topal 6 - Wasn't good in the first half, he was slow to react and failed to link up well with Banega, but improved in the second half and provided a good performance.
Banega 7 - Had a good first half with few great through passes, but failed to control the game as he was put under pressure, a lot better in the second half though and provided the assist to Soldado for the goal.
Feghuoli 6 - Really fought for every ball and covered every position, but wasn't the threat on the flank that Emery would have hoped him to be. Provided good support, but largely ineffective.
Canales 5 - Had a good chance in the 4-5 minute which he missed from a very close range, complained to injury from the start and guess it weighted down on him hard as he failed to do anything.
Jonas 6.5 - Had a good showing tonight with few tries and especially the try in the first half with an empty goal, was a bit unlucky there. Did well overall, but needs to start scoring himself and be more of a threat.
Soldado 6 - Way out of form and even though he scored didn't look particularly good.
Subs:
Piatti 6 - Replaced Canales in the 36th minute and did better, but lacks the cutting edge and failed to threaten Bilbao's goal.
Pablo 4 - All he did was enable Bilbao to score. Would have been better if he didn't come on. I feel like Pablo is once again in one of his slumps and hopefully this time it lasts shorter and not two months like last season.
Aduriz N/A - Was very active on the field and tried hard, but ultimately didn't add anything to the attack that Jonas didn't provide.
I think we were unfortunate in this match and for that matter against Mallorca as well. We also had a penalty rejected twice and things would have been different in we were awarded a penalty. I think maybe Emery should think playing Tino or Parejo in the attacking midfield role that Canales is currently playing, because so far I've only seen really one great game by Canales and in all the others he has been rather mediocre.
As we know Tino Costa and Parejo are both attacking midfielders and actually not central midfielders, so I think Emery should try with one of them being behind the striker.
We also lack the depth on the wings and this is where Mata came in last season. Right now we are basically forced to play Mathieu as left wing, because he is our best winger.
Miguel 5 - Mixed bag as he and Costa failed to react to clear the ball early on which could resulted in goal, but Guaita saves two times and was after called offside. Had one more blunder in the second half.
Costa 4 - What a bad performance from Costa. Miscommunication with Miguel for the chance and goal that was ruled offside and again miscommunication with Ruiz for the goal. Lost Llorente twice in dangerous positions and couldn't really cope with the attacker.
Ruiz 6 - Cleared up for Costa so many times, but with Costa on his side our defense looked vulnerable.
Mathieu 6.5 - Did really well in the first half with few attacks one after another and generally did well in defense.
Topal 6 - Wasn't good in the first half, he was slow to react and failed to link up well with Banega, but improved in the second half and provided a good performance.
Banega 7 - Had a good first half with few great through passes, but failed to control the game as he was put under pressure, a lot better in the second half though and provided the assist to Soldado for the goal.
Feghuoli 6 - Really fought for every ball and covered every position, but wasn't the threat on the flank that Emery would have hoped him to be. Provided good support, but largely ineffective.
Canales 5 - Had a good chance in the 4-5 minute which he missed from a very close range, complained to injury from the start and guess it weighted down on him hard as he failed to do anything.
Jonas 6.5 - Had a good showing tonight with few tries and especially the try in the first half with an empty goal, was a bit unlucky there. Did well overall, but needs to start scoring himself and be more of a threat.
Soldado 6 - Way out of form and even though he scored didn't look particularly good.
Subs:
Piatti 6 - Replaced Canales in the 36th minute and did better, but lacks the cutting edge and failed to threaten Bilbao's goal.
Pablo 4 - All he did was enable Bilbao to score. Would have been better if he didn't come on. I feel like Pablo is once again in one of his slumps and hopefully this time it lasts shorter and not two months like last season.
Aduriz N/A - Was very active on the field and tried hard, but ultimately didn't add anything to the attack that Jonas didn't provide.
As we know Tino Costa and Parejo are both attacking midfielders and actually not central midfielders, so I think Emery should try with one of them being behind the striker.
We also lack the depth on the wings and this is where Mata came in last season. Right now we are basically forced to play Mathieu as left wing, because he is our best winger.
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