Valencia have a knack for cultivating fine left-footers. David Silva, now of Manchester City, built his reputation at the Mestalla Stadium. So did Juan Mata, now of Manchester United. Jordi Alba became Spain’s first-choice left-back on the basis of his searing runs up and down that flank for Valencia. Barcelona, where he passed through the youth system, made amends for letting him go south as a teenager by buying him back.
Alba’s heir
The latest flyer with a sweet left foot to thrill Valencianos is Jose Luis Gaya. When Bayern Munich last summer made Valencia an offer for Juan Bernat, 21, who had replaced Alba as their left-back, the Spanish club gratefully accepted the €10 million (Dh41.9m) and knew they could reinvest it elsewhere. They had a jewel, in Gaya, ready to step up to the position.
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Striker’s instincts
Gaya, 19, comes from the small town of Pedreguer, near Alicante and within Valencia’s catchment area. He enrolled in the club’s youth ranks at age 11 as a striker, scored goals regularly and impressed with his speed and stamina. His coaches had the idea that the left flank might be his best territory, and so it has turned out. He has a precise cross in his arsenal and strong lungs.
Energy and endurance
He has stood out in Valencia’s fine start to 2015. He set up the first goal in last month’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the Primera Liga and provided the cross for a goal, as well as a goal-line clearance, in last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Espanyol. The decisive contributions at either end were evidence of his capacity to cover the vast mileage expected of a modern full-back. Valencia hope to consolidate their hold on a top-four position at home to Getafe tomorrow.
National prospect
Gaya made his Liga debut only 10 months ago, but he is being closely monitored by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. He has represented Spain at every age-group level since the Under 17s, but he will know the queue for the left-back post in the seniors includes Barcelona’s Alba, Bayern’s Bernat and Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta. Gaya, taller than Alba, more defensively minded than Bernat and more naturally left-footed than Azpilicueta, may in the next couple of years present a powerful case to play ahead of each of them.
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