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Villarreal Preview
Overview:
A well worked team with high spirits and Latin quality. Their biggest success was qualification in the Champions League semis last year, where Riquelme's missed penalty against Arsenal prevented them from fighting in extra time for a spot in the big final. Their wingers’ speed and Riquelme's brain are Villarreal advantages. But their weak point is also Riquelme. When he isn’t playing, Villarreal cannot win a single game and lose much of their creative power. But with him, they can't be easily beaten as they are very well organized.
Players In: Nihat (Real Sociedad) Pires (Arsenal) Cani (Zaragoza) José Enrique (Valencia) Somoza (Vélez) Players Out: Calleja Guayre (Celta) Roger Cazorla (Recreativo) Arzo (Recreativo) López Vallejo (Recreativo) Héctor Font (Osasuna) Valencia (Wigan) Alcántara (Deportivo)Transfers assessment:
Some good moves in the transfers. Pires, Nihat and Cani are all skilful players, and as long as Nihat is fit, he can help a lot. All who left were substitute players and not very important.
Verdict:
Bad luck for the yellow submarines. Important left back Arruabarena is already injured but will be soon fit. But the shock came from Pires and Gonzalo Rodriguez (important central defender) who tore their ligaments and will be sidelined for six months. Villarreal have no European games and that is good for them. They will be focused on the Primera Liga and can take a place between 4-6.
