When Vicente Del Bosque released his first post-World Cup squad a little less than a week ago there was little to be truly shocked about. Last season’s standouts Raul Garcia and Dani Carvajal were rightfully granted their opportunity to impress and even the inclusion of Athletic Bilbao's Mikel San Jose didn't come as a huge surprise, considering Spain's defensive frailties in Brazil. All seemed to make sense until you get to the name Paco Alcacer.
Now it's not that Paco's a poor player, far from it in fact, but he's been largely flown under the radar for the better part of his career. Even at youth team level Paco's been unknown largely because of his exclusion in 2013 from the highly-vaunted Spanish under-21 European championship. But after scoring his debut goal for La Roja on Monday merely 17 minutes into what would turn out to be a 5-1 drubbing of Macedonia, Paco seems to be far ahead of the curve.
Last season was a bit of a breakout season for the Valencia product. He struggled for playing time at the beginning of the campaign and Valencia juggled managers and consistency. The hiring of Juan Antonio Pizzi however proved to be a turning point and Alcacer finished the season on an impressive 14 goals In 37 games.
Along with his compatriot Juan Bernat, who was quickly picked up by Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich this close season, Paco is yet another member of the famed Valencia academy that has produced the likes of Isco and David Silva, and more famously in the past Gaizka Mendieta, David Albelda and Raul Albiol.
But it's another former Valencia player that Paco seems to channel every time he plays – “El Guaje” David Villa. Though Paco may lack the explosiveness that Villa possessed in his prime his movement and finishing is reminiscent of Spain's all-time leading scorer. Alcacer causes a headache for defences with his mobility and forward runs and he's confident in front of goal. A tidy finisher, his instinctive goal vs Malaga in week two was a clear example.
With the arrival of Alvaro Negredo, Alcacer will find himself competing for playing time along with Rodrigo, but he will benefit from Negredo’s presence both on and off the field. Negredo is likely to be the main focus of Valencia's opponents which should allow Alcacer to roam and find himself in some excellent positions. Off the pitch Negredo’s work ethic and professionalism should rub off on the youngster as well.
Despite big money signings like Negredo, Valencia are committed to their youngster. Peter Lim’s takeover led to a mass exodus this summer yet Paco remained off-limits despite multiple inquiries from bigger clubs.
It's been said before Spain's future is incredibly bright and Paco seems to be yet another in the line of impressive attacking talent at Del Bosque’s disposal. If last year was his breakout season, by the end of this year everyone will know his name.
