As referee Vicandi Garrido blew the final whistle at the end of Valencia’s 3-0 triumph over Cordoba, Mestalla erupted into applause, almost as if the weight of the past decade’s disappointment was finally being lifted off of their shoulders.
It may only be five weeks into the season but nothing should be taken away from what Nuno Espirito and this Valencia side has been able to achieve – first place in La Liga and no signs of stopping anytime soon.
It could be argued that apart from Barcelona, who have still yet to concede, Valencia have been the most impressive team in Spain. Their only dropped points came in the League opener to Sevilla, coincidentally also tied for first place. Since then they’ve been on a rampage, scoring three goals in each of their next four fixtures, only allowing one in the process.
A long time has passed since David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata graced the Valencia frontline but this current iteration seem to make up for a lack of star power with a vibrant, almost naïve, attacking zeal. Home games at Mestalla have turned into showcases with Valencia seemingly out for blood every time they get the ball. They have not only racked up the wins – they’ve been one of the most exciting teams in all of Europe.
Yet they’ve balanced this attacking fervour with solid play at the back, despite the loss of Jeremy Mathieu to Barcelona over the summer. Marshalled by the 26-year-old Argentine Nicolas Otamendi, Valencia have remained organised in defence. Ruben Vezo, Otamendi’s partner, has fed off his teammate’s instructions and the two have formed an early season partnership reminiscent of Diego Godin and Miranda.
The loss of Juan Bernat was supposed to leave a gaping hole on the left side of the Valencia backline, yet Jose Gaya, who already showed signs of his potential last season, has been a revelation. Applauded off the field by the Valencian faithful against Cordoba when he was substituted, the 19-year-old seems miles ahead of both Bernat and another former Valencian, Jordi Alba, at the same age.
In midfield, mainstays Javi Fuego and Dani Parejo have kept up their high level of play but it’s a new signing making a world of difference. Andre Gomes, tentatively on loan from Benfica [if/when Peter Lim’s takeover goes through he will be purchased outright], has been fantastic in the centre of the park, behind the forwards. Some pundits have compared him to Ever Banega at his best, without the off-the-field issues.
Up top it’s all about Paco Alcacer. The 21-year-old striker is looking more and more like Villa every passing match. Alcacer has scored in every game but one and is currently tied for second place in the Pichichi race.
Nuno has injected confidence into this club and though Lim’s takeover is still up in the air, there seems to be a renewed optimism, a far cry from the downtrodden past few years as the Nou Mestalla eyesore cast a black cloud over the club.
Valencia look renewed and though it’s unclear how long this will last, it’s a great sign, not only for the club but for La Liga. And to think, star signing Alvaro Negredo still hasn’t played a minute.
