Marcelino’s new Villarreal facet – A recent period of rejuvenation 

After a busy summer time on the Estadio Ceramica, VillarrealFanTV provided up his ideas on the switch exercise and the way it will influence on Marcelino’s facet within the 2024/25 season:

One in every of predominant issues Marcelino needed earlier than returning as Villarreal head coach was to have management within the switch market, bringing in solely gamers that suited his model of play, which is a inflexible 4-4-2 formation. This request was granted by the Roigs and he signed a two and a half yr contract with the membership in late 2023.

This summer time window was undoubtedly probably the most hectic intervals in recent times for Villarreal’s board. There was a transparent want for drastic modifications, significantly as a result of issues concerning the common age of the squad. 

Previous to the window, Villarreal had one of many oldest squads within the league, with a mean age of 30.8 among the many 21 first-team gamers.

The summer time of 2024 caused a considerable restructuring of the squad, pushed by the necessity to refresh the crew and deal with defensive weaknesses. Many gamers, together with Manu Trigueros, Alberto Moreno, Etienne Capoue, Francis Coquelin, Jose Luis Morales, Pepe Reina, and Aissa Mandi weren’t in Marcelino’s plans. Their departures had been pushed by varied elements, together with their excessive wages and the brand new tactical and strategic course.

With these departures, the following essential step was to promote a key participant to generate funds for reinforcements in essential areas, significantly defence. Final season, Villarreal conceded 65 league objectives, essentially the most within the membership’s prime flight historical past, and this was a significant concern for Marcelino. Recognized for his emphasis on defensive organisation and construction, the 59-year-old grew to become annoyed with the crew’s fragilities on the again.

Overview of Marcelino’s model

Marcelino depends on a compact defence, a hard-working midfield, and forwards who can press aggressively and convert possibilities with medical effectivity. His groups are sometimes characterised by their capability to soak up stress and counter assault with few touches utilizing gamers with pace and power. This requires gamers who’re bodily match, fast and versatile.

Fundamental summer time departures

• Alexander Sørloth: His departure leaves a void within the attacking division, particularly when it comes to goalscoring capability.
• Filip Jørgensen: A goalkeeper who initially divided opinion among the many followers, his early performances at Villarreal had been unconvincing. Nonetheless, he confirmed important enchancment over the course of final season, rising with confidence after every match. Regardless of nonetheless being a piece in progress, he caught the eye of Chelsea, who signed him in the summertime.
• Jorge Cuenca: A younger defender initially seen as Pau Torres’ successor. Marcelino didn’t see him as an excellent match for his defensive model. His slower tempo and restricted turning radius didn’t align with Marcelino’s tactical preferences. He signed with Fulham in the summertime.
• Ben Brereton Diaz: The Chilean worldwide joined Villarreal on a free switch final yr however departed this summer time for €8.3m. Regardless of the excessive hopes, he by no means absolutely settled on the membership and left with out scoring a purpose.
• Arnaut Danjuma: Danjuma made a late transfer to Girona on a mortgage deal within the ultimate hours of the switch window.

Fundamental summer time arrivals

• Thierno Barry (Basel): Barry is a flexible younger ahead, anticipated so as to add depth and power to Villarreal’s attacking choices.
• Logan Costa (Toulouse): Costa strengthens the back-line together with his bodily presence and defensive reliability.
• Luiz Junior (Famalicao):  Luiz Junior is a extremely rated goalkeeper, recognized for his shot-stopping talents, who will compete for the beginning position.
• Diego Conde (Leganes): Conde provides additional depth to the goalkeeping place, offering a strong back-up choice with potential for progress.
• Pape Gueye (Marseille): Gueye brings presence to the midfield, providing energy, ball-winning capabilities, and the power to help each defence and assault.
• Ayoze Perez (Actual Betis): Ayoze is a flexible ahead who can play throughout the entrance line, bringing creativity and expertise to Villarreal’s assault.
• Sergi Cardona (Las Palmas): Cardona is a full-back recognized for his capability to help the assault down the left flank. 
• Juan Bernat (PSG): Resulting from rising issues and uncertainty over Alfonso Pedraza’s harm, Villarreal determined to herald Juan Bernat from PSG on a season-long mortgage deal.

Concluding ideas

Marcelino has chosen to give attention to youth, power and tempo moderately than expertise in constructing his squad. He prefers youthful, dynamic gamers who can deliver freshness and pace to the crew which aligns together with his model of play. 

With that being stated, it’ll take time for these younger gamers to gel and construct understanding with one another. With so many new signings, there’ll inevitably be some disruption in crew chemistry and an essential participant like Sørloth will likely be difficult to exchange. 

Arnaut Danjuma additionally made a stunning late transfer to Girona within the ultimate hours of the summer time switch window. This transfer raised eyebrows, significantly as a result of Danjuma had proven a renewed perspective and dedication throughout the pre-season and in Villarreal’s first three league video games. 

His performances urged that he was set to play an essential position for the Yellow Submarine this season, making the choice to let him be part of a direct rival much more puzzling. 

The final minute departure of Danjuma considerably weakens their attacking choices, leaving the crew extra weak. He was a key participant for Villarreal, recognized for his capability to create possibilities and rating essential objectives. His absence compelled the crew to rely extra closely on different attacking gamers, who might not have been as efficient or as naturally built-in into the squad’s tactical setup.

Villarreal started the 2024/25 season with a 2-2 draw in opposition to Atletico Madrid. They then secured a vital away win in opposition to Sevilla, earlier than internet hosting Celta Vigo in what will likely be thought of probably the greatest matches of the season, rising victorious by a 4-3 margin. Most just lately, they held Valencia to a 1-1 attract an area derby to take an unbeaten document into the worldwide break.

Being in much less competitions this time period might additionally work in Villarreal’s favour. There may be nonetheless depth to the squad which could be essential for dealing with accidents, suspensions, and fatigue throughout the season.

ENDAVANT!