Valencia Club de Fútbol has had success in La Liga and Europe historically, winning several league and cup titles. After 10 games in the 2014/15 season, Valencia sits in second place in La Liga, one point behind leaders Real Madrid. They have performed well at home but their away form needs improvement, having lost once and drawn twice away from home so far. The tactical analysis will examine Valencia's style of play, system, possession, defending, and set pieces based on observations from their first 10 matches.

1. Valencia Club de Fútbol 2014/15
Team Study By Gavin Lee
10 Match Tactical Analysis

2. Content
Page
3. The Club
4. The Story After 10 Games
5. Key Statistics
6. Match Information
18. Squad
27. Style of Play
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Page
37. System of Play
42. Possession in The Thirds
49. Defending in The Thirds
55. Set Plays - Attacking
65. Set Plays - Defending

3. The Club
Brief History
Valencia Club de Fútbol also known as Valencia CF or Los Che was founded in Year 1919.
Valencia CF won its first Spanish La Liga Championship in the 1941/42 season and
subsequently adding 5 more La Liga League Titles and 7 Copa Del Rey to its name.
Valencia CF has also tasted European Success, winning 1 UEFA Cup, 1 UEFA Cup Winners’
Cup and 2 UEFA Super Cups. They have also reached the UEFA Champions League finals
twice in a row in 2000 & 2001.
More Recently, 70% ownership of Valencia CF had been bought over by Singaporean
Billionaire, Peter Lim, clearing the club’s financial problems.
Mestella Stadium
Capacity: 55, 000
Field Size: 105m x 68m
Surface: Grass
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4. The Story After 10 Games
Table Position
After the victory observed on Match-day 10, against Villarreal, Los Che are now
just one point off the league leaders Real Madrid and sit second in the table.
Valencia has been successful at home, winning all 5 games played at the Mestalla
Stadium. However, their away form has not been as positive, losing once and twice
drawing, while winning two.
Los Che has made a very promising start to the season, even beating last season’s
winners Atletico but it should be noticed that Valencia has yet to go up against the
“Big 2” (Real Madrid and Barcelona), which will be a bigger test for them.
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5. Key Statistics
Shot
Accuracy
Avg.
Duels
Won
Avg.
Pass
Length
Total
Chances
Created
Avg.
Passing
Accuracy
No.
of
Goals
Scored
Cross
Corner
Central
Play
Counter
A>ack
Others
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6. Match
Information
6

7. Matches Observed
2014/15 Season
Match 1: Sevilla 1 – 1 Valencia, La Liga, 23/08/2014
Match 2: Valencia 3 – 0 Malaga, La Liga, 30/8/2014
Match 3: Valencia 3 – 1 Espanyol, La Liga, 14/9/2014
Match 4: Getafe 0 – 3 Valencia, La Liga, 22/9/2014
Match 5: Valencia 3 – 0 Cordoba, La Liga, 26/9/2014
Match 6: Real Sociedad 1 – 1 Valencia, La Liga, 28/9/2014
Match 7: Valencia 3 – 1 Atletico Madrid, La Liga, 4/10/2014
Match 8: Deportivo 3 – 0 Valencia, La Liga, 19/10/2014
Match 9: Valencia 3 – 1 Elche, La Liga, 25/10/2014
Match 10: Villarreal 1 – 3 Valencia, La Liga, 2/11/2014
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8. Match 1: v Sevilla (A) 23 Aug
Line Up
13. Beto
3. F. Navarro
6. Daniel Carrico
21. N. Pareja
23. Coke
4. G. Krychowiak
12. Iborra
20. Vitolo
22. Aleix Vidal
17. Denis Suarez
9. C. Bacca
Subs Used
1. M. Barbosa
19. E. Banega
26. L. Sanchez
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
3. Rúben Vezo
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. P. Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
8. S. Feghouli
20. R. de Paul
6. L. Orban
1
–
1
(1
–
0)
Sevilla
Valencia
Sevilla
Valencia
Possession
51%
49%
Corners
3
3
Passes
(%)
431
(82%)
473
(81%)
Fouls
21
9
Shots
(On
Target)
10
(3)
11
(2)
Challenges
(%)
183
(48%)
183
(52%)
44’
Aleix
Vidal
88’
L.
Orban
Venue: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Attendance: 29,352
Referee: Carlos Del Cerro Grande
Asst. Referee: Juan Yuste Jiménez
Asst. Referee: Abraham Álvarez Cantón
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
1
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9. Match 2: v Malaga (H) 29 Aug
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
3. Rúben Vezo
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
8. Sofiane Féghouli
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
16. Bruno Zuculini
22. Carles GIl
27. Robert Ibánez
Line Up
1. C. Kameni
19. A. Boka
3. Weligton
21. Sergio Sánchez
18. R. Rosales
30. Sergio Darder
6. Ignacio Camacho
26. Juanmi
10. Ricardo Horta
22. Luis Alberto
9. R. Santa Cruz
Subs Used
29. Samu Castillejo
20. Samu
6. Juan Acosta
3
–
0
(2
–
0)
Valencia
Malaga
Valencia
Malaga
Possession
54%
46%
Corners
4
5
Passes
(%)
566
(85%)
405
(81%)
Fouls
18
11
Shots
(On
Target)
13
(4)
17
(6)
Challenges
(%)
175
(51%)
175
(49%)
31’
Paco
Alcacer
45’
Dani
Parejo
56’
Pablo
PiaR
Venue: Estadio de Mestella, Valencia
Attendance: 41,550
Referee: Javier Estrada Fernández
Asst. Referee: José Fernández Miranda
Asst. Referee: Francisco Martín García
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
2
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10. Match 3: v Espanyol (H) 14 Sep
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
3. Rúben Vezo
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
8. Sofiane Féghouli
22. Carles GIl
27. Robert Ibánez
Line Up
13. K. Casilla
16. Javi López
19. Diego Colotto
22. Alvaro González
23. Arbilla
4. Víctor Sánchez
6. Salva Sevilla
10. Abraham
8. Christian Stuani
9. Sergio Garcia
24. Paco Montanés
Subs Used
14. Canas
17. Lucas Vázquez
20. Felipe Caicedo
3
–
1
(1
–
0)
Valencia
Espanyol
Valencia
Espanyol
Possession
54%
46%
Corners
7
8
Passes
(%)
510
(84%)
412
(75%)
Fouls
15
13
Shots
(On
Target)
11
(6)
7
(3)
Challenges
(%)
153
(51%)
153
(49%)
7’
Pablo
PiaR
64’
Dani
Parejo
73’
Paco
Alcacer
Venue: Estadio de Mestella, Valencia
Attendance: 45,000
Referee: Carlos Clos Gómez
Asst. Referee: Roberto Diaz Pérez Del Palomar
Asst. Referee: Luis Marco Martínez
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
3
90’
Sergio
Garcia
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11. Match 4: v Getafe (A) 22 Sep
Line Up
25. Guaita
2. Alexis
5. Naldo
18. Escudero
20. Valera
6. Sammir
7. Lafita
10. Pablo Sarabia
11. Diego Castro
17. Juan Rodríguez
9. Freddy Hinestroza
Subs Used
12. Álvaro Arroyo
15. Babá Diawara
26. Ivi
0
–
3
(0
–
2)
Getafe
Valencia
Getafe
Valencia
Possession
55%
45%
Corners
6
1
Passes
(%)
545
(86%)
423
(83%)
Fouls
25
16
Shots
(On
Target)
12
(5)
7
(3)
Challenges
(%)
173
(51%)
173
(49%)
Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Getafe
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco
Asst. Referee: Roberto Diaz Pérez Del Palomar
Asst. Referee: Jesús Zancada Lobato
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
4
7’
Paco
Alcacer
20’
Andre
Gomes
72’
Rodrigo
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
3. Rúben Vezo
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
4. Filipe Augusto
6. Lucas Orbán
8. Sofiane Féghoul
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12. Match 5: v Cordoba (H) 26 Sep
0
–
3
(0
–
2)
Valencia
Cordoba
Valencia
Cordoba
Possession
59%
41%
Corners
3
3
Passes
(%)
589
(86%)
389
(79%)
Fouls
11
22
Shots
(On
Target)
19
(8)
2
(2)
Challenges
(%)
138
(57%)
138
(43%)
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia
Attendance: 40,000
Referee: Inaki Vicandi Garrido
Asst. Referee: Andoni Huerga Cermeno
Asst. Referee: Aitor Villate Martínez
22’
Paco
Alcacer
26’
Jose
Gaya
73’
S.
Feghouli
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
5
Line Up
1. Juan Carlos
3.Jose Crespo
4. Iago Bouzon
12. Inigo López
17. A. Gunino
22. López Garai
23. Abel Gomez
35. Fede Vico
7. F. Rossi
18. Borja Garcia
14. N. Ghilas
Subs Used
16. Fidel
20. Ryder Matos
24. Mike Havenaar
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
2. Joao Cancelo
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
8. Sofiane Féghouli
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
6. Lucas Orbán
22. Carles GIl
27. Robert Ibánez
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13. Match 6: v Real Sociedad (A) 28 Sep
1
–
1
(1
–
1)
R.
Sociedad
Valencia
R.
Sociedad
Valencia
Possession
56%
44%
Corners
9
4
Passes
(%)
526
(78%)
416
(77%)
Fouls
14
18
Shots
(On
Target)
17
(7)
8
(5)
Challenges
(%)
181
(55%)
181
(45%)
Venue: Anoeta, San Sebastián
Attendance: 25,168
Referee: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva
Asst. Referee: Alfonso Costoya Rodriguez
Asst. Referee: Enrique Ramos Ferreiros
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
6
36’
Canelas
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
17. Rodrigo
22. Carles Gil
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
4. Filipe Augusto
6. Lucas Orbán
8. Sofiane Féghouli
Line Up
13. Zubikarai
6. Iñigo Martínez
20. Joseba Zaldúa
24. De le Bella
4. Elustondo
5. Bergara
10. Xabi Prieto
16. Canales
17. Zurutuza
9. Agirretxe
11. Carlos Vela
Subs Used
3. Mikel
7. Alfreõ Finnbogason
8. Granero
15’
Carles
Gil
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14. Match 7: v Atletico Madrid (H) 4 Oct
3
–
1
(3
–
1)
Valencia
A.
Madrid
Valencia
A.
Madrid
Possession
44%
56%
Corners
1
6
Passes
(%)
369
(76%)
504
(80%)
Fouls
23
15
Shots
(On
Target)
7
(3)
17
(6)
Challenges
(%)
182
(44%)
182
(56%)
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia
Attendance: 44,000
Referee: Fernando Teixeira Vitienes
Asst. Referee: Victoriano Diaz Casado
Asst. Referee: Manuel Torre Cimiano
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
7
6’
Miranda
(o.g.)
8’
Andre
Gomes
13’
N.
Otamendi
Line Up
1. Moyá
2. Diego Godín
3. Siqueira
18. Jesús Gámez
23. Miranda
5. Tiago
6. Koke
10. Arda Turan
14. Gabi
7. A. Griezmann
9. Mario Mandzukic
Subs Used
8. Raúl Garcia
11. Raúl JImenez
22. Alessio Cerci
15’
Carles
Gil
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
4. Filipe Augusto
6. Lucas Orbán
8. Sofiane Féghouli
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15. Match 8: v Deportivo La Coruña (A) 19 Oct
3
–
0
(2
–
0)
Deporvo
Valencia
Deporvo
Valencia
Possession
44%
56%
Corners
3
5
Passes
(%)
358
(83%)
501
(83%)
Fouls
18
18
Shots
(On
Target)
12
(6)
6
(0)
Challenges
(%)
174
(51%)
174
(49%)
Venue: Riazor, La Coruña
Attendance: 21,908
Referee: Javier Estrada Fernández
Asst. Referee: José Fernández Miranda
Asst. Referee: Francisco Martín García
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
8
37’
Jose
Gaya
(o.g.)
43’
Lucas
Perez
79’
Touche
Line Up
13. Fabricio
5. Pablo Insúa
11. Juanfruan
12. Sidnei
7. Lucas Pérez
8. H. Medunjanin
16. Luisinho
20. Cezary Wilk
24. Luis Fariña
14. Issac Cuenca
19. Ivan Cavaleiro
Subs Used
6. José Rodriguez
18. Toché
25. Juan Carlos
Line Up
13. Yoel
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
4. Filipe Augusto
10. Dani Parejo
17. Rodrigo
11. Pablo Piatti
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
8. Sofiane Féghouli
20. Rodrigo de Paul
22. Carles Gil
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16. Match 9: v Elche (H) 25 Oct
3
–
1
(2
–
0)
Valencia
Elche
Valencia
Elche
Possession
50%
50%
Corners
8
6
Passes
(%)
491
(81%)
487
(78%)
Fouls
10
17
Shots
(On
Target)
10
(3)
8
(3)
Challenges
(%)
143
(51%)
143
(49%)
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia
Attendance: 37,500
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco
Asst. Referee: Roberto Diaz Pérez Del Palomar
Asst. Referee: Jesús Zancada Lobato
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
9
37’
S.
Mustafi
18’
Dani
Parejo
64’
Lomban
(o.g.)
Line Up
1. Manu Herrera
2. Damián Suárez
3. Enzo Roco
4. Lombán
5. Cisma
6. Mosquera
8. Adrián
11. Garry Rodrigues
10. Coro
11. Victor
22. Jonathas
Subs Used
9. Cristian Herrera
19. Álvaro
20. Faycal Fajr
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
10. Dani Parejo
11. Pablo Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
7. Álvaro Negredo
20. Rodrigo De Paul
27. Roberto Ibáñez
93’
Jonathas
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17. Match 10: v Villarreal CF (A) 2 Nov
1
–
3
(0
–
1)
Villarreal
Valencia
Villarreal
Valencia
Possession
61%
39%
Corners
5
4
Passes
(%)
557
(79%)
353
(73%)
Fouls
11
15
Shots
(On
Target)
13
(3)
6
(3)
Challenges
(%)
153
(51%)
153
(49%)
Venue: El Madrigal, Villarreal
Attendance: 23,000
Referee: Pedro Pérez Montero
Asst. Referee: José Matías Caballero
Asst. Referee: Alfonso Hernández Labella
La
Liga
Match-­‐Day
10
6’
Trigueros
(o.g.)
64’,
73’
S.
Mustafi
Line Up
1. Diego Alves
31. Jose Gayá
23. N. Otamendi
5. S. Mustafi
19. Barragán
18. Javi Fuego
21. André Gomes
8. Sofiane Féghouli
11. Pablo Piatti
17. Rodrigo
9. Paco Alcácer
Subs Used
7. Álvaro Negredo
20. Rodrigo De Paul
22. Carles Gil
Line Up
1. Asenjo
2. Mario
16. Dorado
18. Jaume Costa
20. Gabriel
14. Trigueros
19. Moi Gómez
21. Bruno Soriano
8. Ikechukwu Uche
9. Giovani Dos Santos
17. Denis Cheryshev
Subs Used
6. Jonathan Dos Santos
7. Luciano Vietto
23. Gerard
87’
Trigueros
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18. Squad
18

19. Technical Staff
Nuno Espírito Santo, Head Coach
Background
Nuno, born 25 Jan 1974, was a former Goalkeeper
at Porto. After retirement, Nuno started out as a
goalkeeping coach at Málaga CF and before
moving to Panathinaikos FC in 2010.
In May 2012, Rio Ave FC, a top division Portuguese
club, appointed Nuno as their manager. He
brought success in his second season by leading
Rio Ave to both the Portuguese Cup and League
Cup Finals, taking them into the UEFA Europa
League for the first time in its history.
Nuno, in his fifth year as a coach, replaced out-
going Juan Antonio Pizzi as the Head Coach of
Valencia CF on 4 July 2014 for the 2014/15 season.
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20. Technical Staff
Rui Silva
Portuguese
Assistant Coach
37 Years Old
Ian Cathro
Scottish
Assistant Coach
28 Years Old
Antonio Dias
Portuguese
Fitness Coach
32 Years Old
Jose Ochotorena
Spanish
Goalkeeping Coach
53 Years Old
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21. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Diego Alves
Brazilian
29 Years Old
Left Footed
1.88m
83kg
Goalkeeper #1
Good shot stopper, has quick
reflexes and good positioning
qualities. Comfortable in dealing
with crosses. Has a long accurate
throwing range. However
distribution with feet is not as
accurate and reliable. Not
comfortable in distributing play
with Right Foot.
Center Defender #5
Very competent in the air.
Provides a strong physical
presence in defense. Reads the
game and deals with 1v1s very
well. Capable of building the play
form the back, can provide good
penetrative passes from def. third
to att. third. Good range of
passing, although most passes
tend to be short.
Center Defender #23
Performs well as a man marker.
Very aggressive and puts in a
good tackle. Powerful in air
challenges. Has tendency to try
intercept passes. Distribution is
not consistent, able to make the
simple passes but struggle to
provide penetrative passes. Gets
caught on possession often and
does not have quick acceleration.
Shkodran Mustafi
German
22 Years Old
Right Footed
1.84m
82kg
Nicolas Otamendi
Argentinian
26 Years Old
Right Footed
1.78m
75kg
Center Defender #3
Started the first four league
games, but lost his position to S.
Mustafi. Reads the game and
cover spaces well. Tendency to
be hasty with defensive 1v1s. Not
adventurous in moving up the
thirds with the ball, more reserve
than Otamendi in Build Up play.
Rúben Vezo
Portuguese
20 Years Old
Right Footed
1.84m
76kg
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22. Defenders
Jose Gayá
Spanish
19 Years Old
Left Footed
1.72m
67kg
Left Defender #31
Attacking minded. Very quick
with and without ball. Capable of
delivering specific crosses into
the box. Times overlapping runs
very well. Provides regular wide
options during possession phase,
comfortable playing along the
touch line. Recovers well from
advanced position. Tends to be
hasty with tackles and can be
caught out of position.
Left Defender #6
Less advanced and adventurous
as Gayá, but is still capable in
getting forward. Provides more
defensive security and has a
bigger physical presence than his
colleague. Very competent in
defensive 1v1s. A reliable back
up and is often brought on when
the coach is looking to protect a
lead.
Right Defender #19
Part of Valencia CF’s Style,
Barragán provides a wide option
in the thirds during build up and
penetration phases. Not as quick
as his opposite counterpart but is
still a threat with well timed runs.
When on the ball, he likes to
push the ball past and round the
man. Doesn’t get beaten in 1v1s
often. Delivery of crosses are not
consistent.
Lucas Orbán
Argentinian
25 Years Old
Right Footed
1.84m
76kg
Antonio Barragán
Spanish
27 Years Old
Right Footed
1.87m
83kg
Right Defender #2
Appeared only in one match
observed. Like other fullbacks of
Valencia CF, he is quick and looks
to get forward as much as
possible. Brings the play inwards
more often than going down the
channel.
João Cancelo
Portuguese
20 Years Old
Right Footed
1.80m
66kg
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23. Midfielders
Javi Fuego
Spanish
30 Years Old
Right Footed
1.81m
74kg
Defensive Midfielder #18
Very important member, he is the
Anchor of the team. Drops in as a
3rd Center Back to provide extra
options during in the build up and
possession phases. Does not
possess a great range of passing,
but recycles play efficiently by
keeping passes simple. Screens for
the defense and picks up anyone
between the defensive and midfield
lines. Positions himself very well
according to each situation.
Center Midfielder #10
Captain of the Club. Excellent
passing and vision to link up the
defense to attack, a lot of
possession goes through him.
Occupies a deeper role in
possession and often moves into
wide areas to collect the ball. He is
capable of late runs into box. Very
intelligent in creating opportunities
for others, protects the ball very
well. Can get caught with
possession at times.
Center Midfielder #21
Very confident box to box player.
Occupies a slightly more advanced
position during possession phase.
Leaves deeper collection of play to
Parejo, focusing towards combining
with strikers and wingers. Has the
tactical awareness to provide
midfield balance according to
Parejo’s position. Good technical
abilities and physical strength in the
air. Tendency to overdo things at
times.
Dani Parejo
Spanish
25 Years Old
Right Footed
1.80m
75kg
André Gomes
Portuguese
21 Years Old
Right Footed
1.88m
83kg
Center Midfielder #4
Competitive midfielder who is
aggressive in his challenges. Is
not consistent with possession
and can be caught overdoing in
midfield. Only a handful of
appearances in the 10 games
observed, often brought on to
add extra defensive cover in
midfield.
Filipe Augusto
Brazilian
21 Years Old
Left Footed
1.82m
77kg
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24. Midfielders & Wingers
Bruno Zuculini
Argentinian
21 Years Old
Right Footed
1.78m
72kg
Center Midfielder #16
Taken on loan from Manchester
City. Has only made one
appearance so far, coming off the
bench in the game against
Malaga.
Left Winger #11
Quick and positive in attacking
1v1s. Has a good change of
pace. Set-piece taker of the
team. Is a major threat during
counter attack moments. Moves
inside often to combine with
striker and to create space for left
back to advance into. Works very
hard defensively and recovers
into defensive position (Left
Midfield) very quickly.
Right Winger #8
Positions himself between the
FBs and CBs. Good at running
with ball at defenders and looks
to call fouls from the referees.
Technically very good and has an
excellent change of pace to go
past defenders. Gets back during
defensive transition very quickly.
Is currently an impact player
brought on during 2nd half.
Pablo Piatti
Argentinian
25 Years Old
Left Footed
1.63m
63kg
Sofiane Féghouli
Algerian
25 Years Old
Right Footed
1.78m
71kg
Left Winger #22
Very quick and tricky with ball.
Good enough technically to get
out of tight situations. Tends to
cut inwards from the left. Is a
handful for defenders when he is
engaged in offensive 1v1s. Raw
talent and is often brought on
during the 2nd half when the
team is already in the lead.
Carles GIl
Spanish
21 Years Old
Left Footed
1.70m
69kg
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25. Wingers & Strikers
Right Winger #27
Made only a couple of substitute
appearances. Brought on when
team is in the lead and the win
looks secured.
Striker #9
Starting striker while Negredo is
getting back to full fitness. Operates
mainly in the central areas, dropping
between the lines to combine with
midfielders. Is a big threat when
playing off the defenders shoulders
to get in behind the defense.
Periods of low involvement from
him. His physical qualities causes
him to struggle holding play against
bigger defenders. Works very hard
defensively for the team.
Paco Alcácer
Spanish
21 Years Old
Right Footed
1.83m
74kg
Right Winger/Striker #17
Has played on the right wing for
Valencia CF so far. Is dangerous and
threatening with the ball and also
with his movement off the ball.
Tends to cut in from the right to his
favored left foot and capable of
providing killer passes. Gets back to
defensive position quick but can get
caught not tracking his man.
Deployed as a Shadow Striker when
team is chasing the game.
Rodrigo
Spanish
23 Years Old
Left Footed
1.79m
74kg
Robert Ibánez
Spanish
21 Years Old
Right Footed
1.69m
72kg
Rodrigo De Paul
Argentinian
20 Years Old
Left Footed
1.78m
78kg
Left Winger #20
New Signing for the Los Che
from Racing Club. Has made only
a few appearances for the club,
appearing as an attacking
midfielder and left winger.
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26. Strikers
Striker #7
Brought in on loan from
Manchester City. Has only made
two substitute performances in
the 10 games observed because
he was recuperating from an
injury. Is a bigger physical
presence, a good target player to
have. Holds and protects the ball
well. Is a threat playing off the
shoulders of defenders and is a
threat in the air.
Álvaro Negredo
Spanish
29 Years Old
Left Footed
1.86m
79kg
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27. Style of Play
27

28. Style of Play
Offensive
Valencia CF are a possession-based outfit and they perform best when they are able
to build play from the back. Los Che sets out with 3 strikers and 3 midfielders. The
defenders and midfielders are heavily involved in patient possession and is utilized
in the defensive and middle thirds to draw opponents out of their compact shape.
Possession is recycled laterally through deep midfielders with a purpose of shifting
opponents, disrupting the defensive shape, in result creating gaps to exploit.
Movement and rotation of the center midfielders allow them to receive passes in
areas of space which gives rise to more creation of attacking play. Quick exchanges
of short passes are the preferred choice, but long passes are attempted if wide
players could be played in behind the defense.
Fullbacks are advanced and adventurous, threatening opposition defenders in the
final attacking thirds often through overloads on opposition fullbacks at wide areas
and also penetrative plays are created by inward movements of wide attackers,
allowing for quick and creative combinations. Attackers expresses individualism in
isolated 1v1s and are very positive and alert to (quick) counter attack opportunities.
Patience of Valencia CF in build up and construction phase is a major strength as it
allows the team to play in their specific style of play.
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29. Style of Play
Strengths
Possession
Ø Controls the pace and direction of the
game with its possession. Valencia CF
often slows the game down by recycling
the play through deep options (see
image). Most oppositions in the La Liga
would defend deeper in their own half
hence allowing Valencia CF to impose
their style possession style of play.
Ø By building up patient possession, it
allows the players to occupy their set
areas of the field (see image), stretching
the opponents and thus creating more
gaps for them to exploit. In addition
more lines of play are created from the
areas of the field occupied.
FB
FB
CB
CB
DM
CM
CM
ST
LW
RW
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30. Style of Play
Strengths
Penetration
Ø Valencia CF has wide players (Piatti,
Rodrigo, Feghouli, Gil) that performs
inward movements, giving rise to
possibilities of combinations outside
the box (zone 14).
Ø Good targets (Alcacer and Negredo) up
front as point striker to hold up the ball
or to play off the shoulders.
Ø In addition, they have creative players
in midfield (Dani Parejo, Andre Gomes)
that are capable of providing
penetrative passes from deeper
positions that can unlock opponents
who are compact and deep.
The narrowness of the wingers and close proximity to the striker
allowed for a combination play, which resulted in the 3rd goal against
Malaga.
ST
RW
LW
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31. Style of Play
Strengths
Counter Attacks
Ø Wide players are always on
alert for possible breakaways to
catch the opponents off guard
during transition moments.
They look to use their speed to
get into threatening areas
quickly.
Ø These advanced options are
likely to come from the wingers
and the fullbacks.
Valencia CF’s break away counter attack against Atletico Madrid
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32. Style of Play
Defensive
Valencia CF does not initiate high pressure in the attacking half but instead they
defend zonally with a medium block, providing compactness to the central areas
and with the purpose of creating more space available behind the defense as they
draw opponents out. Every player has defensive duties and they are required to
transit quickly to their roles upon losing possession. Center midfielders especially
are required to have good situation awareness and are expected to rotate positions
or fill a space as required by each game moment.
The holding midfielder plays a major part in covering spaces in between the defense
and midfield lines, in addition providing cover for the center backs during
transitional moments or moments when they follow their striker out of their zones.
The team attempts to assert heavy pressure happens when opposition players
receive passes with their back facing or when a bad pass happens.
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33. Style of Play
Strengths
Defensive Cover
Ø Given the habits of the center
defenders to follow their strikers out
of their central zones, distances
between the two center backs will
increase substantially leaving more
space for opponents to exploit.
Ø Heavy requirements for the defensive
midfielder to step in and cover during
such moments. The tactical awareness
and game intelligence of Javi Fuego
has provided the necessary defensive
actions when needed.
CB
CB
DM
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34. Style of Play
Strengths
Compactness
Ø Falls into a 4-1-4-1 medium block during
opponent’s phase of possession. Defenders
and midfielders position both lines close to
each other, reducing spaces available
between the line of defense and midfield.
(see image)
Distance between defense and midfield is approx. not bigger than
20m
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35. Style of Play
Weaknesses
Attacking
Ø In attack, all 3 center midfielders tend to
drop deep to collect possession, as a
result leaving big gaps between the
build up unit and penetration units of
players (see image). This would increase
the difficulty in transferring the
possession into the attacking thirds if
the options in that thirds of the field are
well marked.
Ø Valencia would find it even tougher
when opposition defends higher and
apply earlier pressure, as they would not
be able to play so patiently in
possession. During these situations,
there might be a need for wingers to
temporary fill in the “no. 10” spaces to
provide options in the middle.
FB
FB
CB
CB
DM
CM
CM
ST
LW
RW
A gap left in the middle third of the field
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36. Style of Play
Weaknesses
Defensive
Ø Due to the way the team sets out to
attack (FB getting high and advanced), it
leaves a lot of space around the 2 center
defenders and hence making them very
vulnerable to counter attacks. Also,
Otamendi is not the quickest defenders
around and has faced problems against
quick striker. He needs to get his
distances from the player right and not
be too hasty, giving the space in front to
the striker.
Spaces left behind by FBs during a counter attack. Striker getting past
Otamendi.
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37. System of Play
37

38. Offensive System of Play
General
Attacking Shape
Build Up Phase Middle Third
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39. Offensive System of Play
Possession Phases
Ø Goalkeeper plays short passes out when teams do not
pressure high. Plays direct if center defenders are being
marked.
Ø Center Backs split wide, with fullback in advanced and
wide positions (image A). Defensive midfielder (Feugo)
drops in between to receive possession from the CBs and
also to provide deeper options to recycle or to slow down
the play. This particular movement often result in the team
appearing to take on a 3-4-3 formation during attacking
moments.
Ø Wingers often perform inward movements to create space
for fullbacks to overlap and to provide options in spaces
left by center midfielders (image B). Also, they move in
often to search for possible combination plays with the
striker or with the advancing midfielder. Wingers do
rotate sides with each other, but very rarely, often
reverting back to their original side.
Ø When team has Alcacer as striker, he often looks to play
off the shoulders and in result bringing the defensive line
further backwards, leaving more room in the middle for
midfielders and wingers. If Negredo is playing, he rarely
leaves the central spaces, offering options to hold up play
or to play off from.
A
B
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40. Defensive System of Play
General
Defensive Shape
Applying Pressure
When good
possession
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41. Defensive System of Play
Out of Possession Phases
Ø Valencia does not apply high and early pressure in
opponent’s half. They tend to regroup back into their
own half keeping a compact shape, looking to delay
or slow down the opponents.
Ø They look to apply more aggressive pressure only
when the opponent receives a pass with his back
facing or when it is a bad/square pass. During these
pressing moments, one center midfielder will advance
forward to press one center defender, while the
striker presses the other CB (image A).
Ø Wingers will withdraw back to positions beside the
center midfielders to reduce spaces available in the
middle.
Ø When opponents have good possession in advanced
positions, Valencia would move deeper into their half,
with the midfielders dropping into a flat line of 3
(image B). Hence reducing even more space available
between the lines.
A
B
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42. Possession in
The Thirds
42

43. Possession in Defensive Third
Ø GK (Diego Alves) will attempt to play short passes out
from goal kicks and drop kicks if defenders are free and
not pressured (image A). The short passes out are not
seen to be compulsory, probably because Alves does
not have the best range of distribution with his feet. As
such, he will not hesitate to play it more direct, using
longer passes when center backs are pressured (image
B). This happens quite frequently as teams look to apply
pressure on the center backs preventing Valencia from
building the play.
Ø Both Center Backs will provide the width in the
defensive third, allowing the DM to drop in between
(image C). The fullbacks looks to occupy advance
positions on the flanks to pull the opposition wingers
away, hence creating more space for CBs to drive
forward with the ball. The center midfielders looks to
do a similar role in creating more space for the ‘back 3’
to carry the play forward (image D).
Ø The ‘back 3’ looks to play short passes out into the
middle third, rarely playing long passes unless when
opposition presses high, direct passes are used to by
pass the pressure (image E). B
Alves
going
direct
as
CBs
and
DM
are
pressured.
A Playing
short
at
goal
kicks
when
possible.
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44. Possession in Defensive Third
CM
#10,
bringing
opponent’s
CM
away,
creaUng
space
for
DM
to
carry
play
forward
D
C
The
‘Back
3’
building
play
from
the
back.
CB
using
a
long
direct
pass
to
by
pass
Sociedad’s
high
pressing.
E
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45. Possession in Middle Third
Ø In phases of Good Possession, the DM (Feugo) sits in
between the two center defenders allowing them to split
wider to provide wider, deeper options for possession
(image A). This is similar to what they did in the defensive
third, although the CBs are not as wide.
Ø One pattern of play that was very frequently used: When
the defenders are in possession of the ball, #10 Dani Parejo
(CM) would tend to drop out wide, side of the center
defenders to receive the pass (image B). This is done
probably because it gives Parejo, the playmaker of the
team, more time on the ball, as rarely an opposition
midfielder would track Parejo’s run that is wide and deep
which will cause the him to leave central spaces behind if he
does follow Parejo’s movement.
Ø However, at times Parejo and other CMs can get caught on
the ball and this can result in a counter attack (image C).
A DM
drops
in,
while
CBs
split
B
CM
#10
dropping
wide
and
deep
to
receive
AtleU’s
CM
stays
where
he
is,
to
occupy
central
spaces
AtleU’s
side
midfielder
stays
put
to
track
FB’s
run
CM
#10
Ge[ng
caught
on
the
ball
in
a
dangerous
area
C
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46. Possession in Middle Third
Ø FB gets high and advance when possession is in the
middle third, Wingers performs inward movements,
bringing along opposition’s FBs, which empties the
spaces in the channels for their own FBs (image D).
Ø Possession is often recycled very quickly if one
channel is crowded and this is done so through with
the deep options (CBs + DM) available.
Ø However, there are situations when there is a lack of
support for the advanced attackers after receiving a
penetrative pass from a process of patient
possession (image E). Rest of the players are too
spread out, hence slowing them down from
providing support.
Winger
tucking
in,
creaUng
space
for
FB
to
advance
into.
D
Lack
of
support
aer
paUent
recycling
of
possession.
E
1v3
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47. Possession in Attacking Third
Ø Fullbacks play a big role when possession is in
the attacking third. They provide the wide
outlets/options and look to deliver specific
crosses, especially Jose Gaya (image A). The FBs
tries to keep play quick and simple; most times
only one FB gets high and advanced when play is
in this third, while other FB holds back and
remains deeper.
Ø The wide forwards often perform inward runs to
be positioned nearer to the point striker and
gets ready in the box to attack the crosses
delivered by FBs (image B). Such movement
increases the number of bodies in the box for
the crosses.
A LB
advancing
up,
looking
to
put
a
cross
in
B
Wingers
inward
movement
increases
bodies
in
the
box
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48. Possession in Attacking Third
Ø Wingers are quick and often look to play off the
shoulders to sneak in behind the line of defense
(image C).
Ø One CM/AM frequently provides the extra angle
of support to the front 3 attackers and also the
late runs into the box, which is an additional
threat to opposition defenses (image D & E).
Wide
forward
playing
off
the
shoulders,
sneaking
in
behind
C
AM
as
an
extra
support
to
the
front
3.
D
AM
CM’s
late
run
into
box.
E
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49. Defending in
The Thirds
49

50. Defending in Attacking Third
Ø When opponents have possession in def. third and has
good options to retain/build play up (outnumbering
Valencia’s players in the zone/area), Valencia CF’s players
do not look to press aggressively. Instead, they look to
regroup into their own half and allow opponents to have
the ball (image A).
Ø If the point striker is near to the ball, his role is to split the
two CBs, keeping opponents going down one side (image
C), while his teammates regroup back into their half. Also,
there are specific matches when point striker is tasked to
mark/position closely to opposition’s deep playmaker
(image B).
C
A
Wide
forwards
regrouping
into
half.
Point
Striker
spli[ng
opposiUon
CBs.
Front
3
a_ackers
allowing
opposiUon
to
build
up
play.
B
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51. Defending in Attacking Third
Ø However, on the occasion when they out-number
the opposition after losing possession, nearest
player to the ball will initiate pressing.
Surrounding teammates will take cue and quickly
close down the nearest options (image D & E).
Ø Another trigger for aggressive pressing in the
attacking third is when opponents have made a
bad pass or have had a bad touch, putting them
into a difficult/pressuring situation (image F).D
E
Pressing
when
Valencia
out-­‐number
opponents
4v3.
Pressing
when
Valencia
out-­‐number
opponents
4v3.
Opponent
receiving
a
pass
aer
a
difficult
situaUon.
F
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52. Defending in Middle Third
Ø Upon losing possession, they would regroup into a
medium block with the striker positioned slightly in
the opposition’s half. While the rest of the team will
compress into a 4-1-4 block behind the striker. The
wingers will withdraw from their advance roles in
attack to occupy spaces beside the center midfielders
(image A). They often look to keep the distances
between midfield and defense line small, hence
remaining compact, giving opponents little space
between the lines. This system of zonal pressure has
worked well for them because of the willingness to
defend by all the wingers.
Ø Midfielders & Wide forwards look to defend more
aggressively (pressing) when opposition receives
passes with the back facing the play or when a bad
touch/pass is made (image B). Also, the midfielders
presses players that are in their respective zones as
part of their zonal marking system.
B
A
B
CMs
pressing
back
facing
opponent
as
he
receives
the
ball.
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53. Defending in Middle Third
Ø The DM plays an important role when the team
defends in this third of the field. His role is to pick
up or put pressure on the playmakers/players that
look to drop in between the lines to receive play
(image C). Hence, he often provides crucial cover
and interceptions in .
Ø Also of high importance is the ability of the DM to
identify situations when either of the CBs follows
the opposition striker’s movement, which can
draw them out of their zones leaving big gaps
behind. Hence, the DM needs to be aware to slot
in the space and provide defensive cover and
balance. (image D).
C
DM
shiing
to
the
side
to
pick
up
the
player
btw
the
lines.
DM
dropping
in
as
CB
follows
striker’s
run
out.
D
CB
DM
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54. Defending in Defensive Third
Ø Narrow and compact block at the edge of the box often
forces opposition to move possession to wide areas
(image A).
Ø When ball is at wider areas and opposition play with one
striker, both CBs will position themselves close to the
striker, which results in them locating at central areas in
front of goal. The DM would then slot in and occupy the
space created between the CBs and the FB (image B).
Ø However, a problem often faced by Valencia, defenders
are often overloaded in the box as the CMs do not track
their runners very well (image C).
ST
DM
CBs
DM
ge[ng
aligned
btw
CBs
and
FB.
FB
B
C
3v2,
lack
of
tracking.
A
Narrow
and
compact
block.
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55. Set Plays -
Attacking
55

56. Throw Ins
Ø Nothing special or notable pattern of movements
from their throw in set pieces. Often looking to just
keep the possession by throwing the ball to the
teammates feet.
Ø Fullbacks takes the throws unless opportunity to
launch a quick counter attack by player nearest to
ball.
Ø If options are all closed or tightly marked, the
thrower’s next option would be to direct the ball
towards #21 head, probably because he is the tallest.
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57. Corners
Ø Majority are of the same pattern of
movement for corners from both sides.
Very rarely is there a different corner
strategy being carried out.
Ø #11 P. Piatti, left footed, takes corners from
both side when he is on the pitch, other
takers have been #10 D. Parejo and #21 A.
Gomes. Delivery is often targeted at the
near post with a sharp and whipped cross.
Ø There would be three main runners that
starts their runs from the edge of the box.
The runners are frequently #10 & #23
(Near/Back Post Zone) and #5 (Center
Zone), although they will rotate target
areas. In addition, two players would have
starting position with one (#9) moving
forward towards the near post and the
other (#17) backwards.
Ø Especially when opponents man-mark, the
movement of the two players at the GK
empties the space for the runners coming
in.
#11
taking
the
corner.
Movement
of
players
at
GK
and
the
3
main
runners.
Ø Two players usually #21 and
#18 remain outside the box
f o r r e b o u n d s a n d
breakaways.
Ø 5 out of the 23 goals scored
in the 10 games observed,
resulted directly from
corners.
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58. Corners
CK
-­‐
vs
Cordoba
CK
-­‐
vs
R.
Sociedad
CK
-­‐
vs
A.
Madrid
CK
-­‐
vs
Elche
CK
-­‐
vs
Villarreal
CK
-­‐
vs
Malaga
3 Runners
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59. Corners
Ø 2nd Corner variation, which happens only when #10 is taking the corner.
Same 3 runners movement from edge of box and 2 runners from GK.
However, cross is delivered on the ground towards the penalty spot for an
oncoming runner.
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60. Goal Kicks
Ø CBs splits wide, usually at corners of box
when there is a goal kick and when
opponents do not set up close to the two
CBs, GK takes it short (image A).
Ø CBs are always looking provide wide options
for short goal kicks. However are not insistent
in playing it out from the back. When under
any uncertainty, GK would go long and direct.
These long kicks are majority of the time
targeted at Andre Gomes #21, probably
because he is the tallest in the midfield.
GK
taking
the
goal
kick
short.
A
Ø CBs splits wide with DM dropping in
between to provide options for a short
goal kick. However, opponents closed
down deepest options, forcing Diego
Alves (GK) to take a long goal kick
instead (image B).
B
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61. Goal Kicks
Ø CBs are always looking provide wide
options for short goal kicks. However
are not insistent in playing it out from
the back. When under any uncertainty,
GK would go long and direct. These
long kicks are majority of the time
targeted at Andre Gomes #21,
probably because he is the tallest in
the midfield (image C).
Ø These patterns/behaviors seen during
goal kicks also occurs for Free kicks
that are in deep areas (for e.g. just
outside own penalty box).
Goal
kick
directed
towards
#21
Andre
Gomes.
C
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62. Free Kicks
Taken Direct
Ø Free kicks that are situated outside, central
areas, of the penalty box are taken directly at
goal.
Ø Takers are between #10 Dani Parejo (RF), #17
Rodrigo (LF) and #9 Pablo Alcacer (RF).
Ø No distinct pattern for such direct free kicks
although two different patterns have been
performed before (image A & B). Four
players
set
a
line
in
front
of
goalkeeper
before
charging
towards
line
of
wall.
A
B
3
players
standing
on
the
inside
of
the
wall,
possibly
to
block
the
GK’s
view.
C
#17
Rodrigo
taking
the
free
kick.

63. Free Kicks
Wide Areas
Ø Free kicks that are situated outside the central
areas of the penalty box, are often delivered with
in-swingers. (R/S - #11, #22 & L/S - #10)
Ø Same pattern of movement of players as seen in
corner kicks; players grouping together before
splitting up to attack different zones of the goal
area.
5
runners
split.
A
B
5
runners
split.
C
Same
movement
as
Corners.
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64. Penalties & Kick Offs
Penalties
Ø Only one penalty was awarded to Valencia
CF through out the 10 matches observed.
During that instance, #17 Rodrigo (LF) took
the penalty with a shot down the middle
(image A).
Penalty
-­‐
Taken
down
the
middle.
A
Kick Offs
Ø No set pattern of play from attacking kick
offs.
Ø Ball is just played back to CMs to start
possession (image B & C).
B
Kick
Off
–
vs
Sevilla.
C
Kick
Off
–
vs
DeporUvo.
64
Gavin
Lee

65. Set Plays -
Defending
65

66. Corners
Ø Every corner is defended with 3
players marking zonally: #10 D. Parejo
– Near Post Zone, #23 N. Otamendi –
Central Zone, #5 S. Mustafi – Back Post
Zone. (image A)
Ø Also, #31 Jose Gaya is always
deployed at the back post, when there
is a potential short corner taken he will
position himself at the near post
instead. Allowing him to charge out at
short corner quicker.
Ø If Striker is inside 6 yard box, GK is
confident enough to deal with him
without any defender assisting.
Ø Rest of the players man-mark inside
the box with 2 players covering areas
outside the penalty box. (image B)
Player
at
post
+
3
men
zone.
Players
covering
areas
outside
the
box.
A
B
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Gavin
Lee

67. Corners
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
Malaga
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
Espanyol
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
Getafe
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
R.
Sociedad
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
DeporUvo
Def.
CK
-­‐
vs
Elche
67
Gavin
Lee

68. Free Kicks
Wide
Ø One player in the wall, usually #11.
Ø The rest of the team marking zonally,
except 2 players covering space outside the
box.
One
line
of
players
defending
zonally,
with
2
in
front
of
them.
A
B
C
68
Gavin
Lee