Best Villarreal XI of the Noughties
by siempre_riquelme on Jan 20, 2011 4:00 AM CET
Email
PrintOur friend Elisa at ForzaFutbol posed an interesting question: What is the club's best XI of the 2000s? There are some obvious choices; in fact, seven players in my starting XI currently feature for Juan Carlos Garrido (along with one substitute). But at some positions, the competition is very tight.
For example, who are the two center backs? We've been spoiled recently by Gonzalo Rodríguez and the recently departed Diego Godín (how's "big club" Atlético treating you?), but Rodolfo Arruabarrena and Quique Álvarez were reliable mainstays for years.
Some biases to acknowledge: first, I only started following the club actively in 2005, so my knowledge is skewed toward the second half of the decade. But as the club's big achievements only date back to 2003-04, I think it's not a huge issue. Second, though this list only covers the 2000s, any all-time Villarreal XI would include players from Segunda B and the Tercera, which is nearly impossible to compare to the Primera.
My starting XI: Diego López; Javi Venta, Gonzalo, Arruabarrena (C), Capdevila; Cani, Riquelme, Senna, Cazorla; Forlán, Rossi.
Substitutes: Reina; Godín, Sorín; Bruno, Eguren, Pirès; Llorente.
After the jump is a rationale for each selection:
GK: Diego López. A tough choice between him and Pepe Reina, who makes the bench, but López gets the nod for consistency (barring his gaffes against Zenit St. Petersburg in the 2007-08 UEFA Cup). And Reina's performances for Liverpool and Spain, aside from some penalty saves, have not altered my decision in retrospect.
RB: Javi Venta. A club legend, both on and off the pitch. Renowned for his smile and the ability to keep his job in the face of younger competition (Kromkamp and Ángel, to name two), Venta aged with grace and left for Levante this past summer. 182 appearances for the club, even with only 1 goal scored, earns him a spot on the list.
CBs: Gonzalo Rodríguez, Rodolfo Arruabarrena. The two Argentines beat out an Uruguayan (Godín) and a Galician (Quique Álvarez) for the starting spots. Gonzalo already has made 147 appearances for Villarreal at age 26 (it just seems like he's been around forever), and despite a public falling-out with management over the summer, he has worked his way back into the squad.
Arruabarrena made 219 appearances for the club over 7 seasons and, if nothing else, scored the most important goal in club history. I still get shivers watching it:
LB: Joan Capdevila. A rock at the back, though he now struggles a bit to cope with pace at age 32. A threat going forward, to the tune of 14 goals in 122 appearances. And now, a World Champion. Enough said.
RM: Rubén Cani. Unsurprisingly, this was the only point of disagreement among the three contributors to VillarrealUSA. Maddi and I chose Cani, based on his (generally) steady production over five seasons with the club, while Allen went for the more spectacular Robert Pirès, who only made my bench. If this team actually took the pitch, Cani would provide a sorely-needed two-way versatility, which helps to compensate for some of his more maddening moments.
CMs: Juan Román Riquelme, Marcos Senna. The easiest selections of all. Riquelme and Senna are perhaps the two most recognizable figures associated with Villarreal CF. With Riquelme, the club turned a surly Barcelona reject into the metronome of Pellegrini's highly successful sides. His spat with management and subsequent departure, following two spectacular failures in 2006 (in the Champions League and World Cup), was predictable yet saddening. The end of an era, for better and worse.
Senna provided balance and a defensive snarl to those Pellegrini sides, but in Riquelme's absence, he has spent more time in the attacking half. And some of the Argentine's free-kick magic must have rubbed off. Despite being plagued by a balky right hamstring over the past few seasons, Senna now is the club's all-time appearances leader (at 223 and counting), and he produced arguably the most beautiful goal in club history:
LM: Santi Cazorla. A truly homegrown talent, having come up through the club's youth system and then paid his dues on loan at Recreativo Huelva. Along with Capdevila, Diego López, and Senna, Cazorla was part of the Spanish side that won Euro 2008 and ended the country's big tournament jinx in time for South Africa 2010. Entering his prime at age 26, big things are expected of Santi, both on the pitch and in the changing room. And he gets bonus points for spurning Real Madrid's advances.
SSs: Diego Forlán, Giuseppe Rossi. Another easy choice: the top two marksmen in club history (in the Primera). Forlán shared the European Golden Boot award in his first season with the club and brought an uncanny flair for the game with him from Montevideo. Watching him bang in the goals (54 in 106 appearances- a great strike rate) and celebrate them with unbridled joy was a treat, and he did the club that resuscitated his career a final favor by commanding a record transfer fee from Atlético. Pure class.
Rossi has taken a more slow and steady approach, improving upon his goal total in each of his four seasons. Still to hit his prime at age 23, the best is yet to come for Il Bambino, whether here or on an even bigger stage. We hope that he stays, but if the Italian-American leaves, it will be interesting to see if he breaks Forlán's transfer fee record.
Substitutes: Pepe Reina; Diego Godín, Juan Pablo Sorín; Bruno Soriano, Sebastián Eguren, Robert Pirès; Joseba Llorente.
Nihat Kahveci, Nilmar (despite only one year with the club in the 2000s), and Jon Dahl Tomasson also received votes as substitute strikers.
Who would make your Villarreal starting XI for the 2000s? Chime in with your thoughts below, and let the debate begin.
48 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
It’s hard to aqrgue against the inclusion of any of the eleven players chosen, however the team should be the classic 4-4-2 with a double pivot, in which case another central midfielder such as Josico, or Eguren should be included at the expense of Cani. Riquleme did not tackle so could not play central midfield. Therefore my starting XI would be:
Diego López;
Javi Venta, Gonzalo, Arruabarrena ©, Capdevila;
Riquelme, Senna, Josico, Cazorla;
Forlán, Rossi.
The introduction of Josico demotes Cani to the subs and I would prefer Nihat ahead of Llorente. Tacchinardi gets my vote ahead of Bruno and Eguren.
Substitutes:Reina; Godín, Sorín; Tacchinardi,Cani, Pirès, Nihat
by Kenez on Jan 20, 2011 12:23 PM CET reply actions
This team is awesome. But I will probably go with Bruno instead of Tacchinardi since Bruno is a complete Villarreal product (from the youth system) and Tacchinardi was on loan.
by Raghu on Jan 20, 2011 1:57 PM CET up reply actions
Also, do you think Borja Valero and Nilmar may make it into this squad in few years time if they continue to perform as they have done this season. If so, whom would you take out?
by Raghu on Jan 20, 2011 2:31 PM CET up reply actions
It is a pretty awesome team, isn’t it! Amazing to see how much talent has come through this team from a small Valencian Community town in the last 10 years. I don’t know what Sidarth’s response to your question will be, but since he asked the other site authors for their opinions before writing this I’ll chime in…
It’s total speculation of course, but if in 2015 we’re trying to do this again and Borja Valero and Nilmar have had 3-4 excellent seasons, I’d put Borja in place of Cani (solving Kenez’s objection to sid’s XI by giving us a second pivote).
I might drop Forlan for Nilmar, though I think this is a toughie. Forlan was here only three years, but the club got into Europe and did well during that time. If Nilmar has 3-4 excellent seasons but the club doesn’t do much, I’d probably still argue for Forlan.
Part of it is an emotional thing, too. Everybody has players that are somehow synonymous with VCF or that made you notice the team for the first time. For me those two players were Forlan and Senna, so dropping one of those will always be hard for me!!
by Allen on Jan 20, 2011 4:34 PM CET reply actions
You can’t drop Forlan. He won the Golden Boot in his first season here and took 3 seasons to score as many goals as Rossi has (with a better supporting cast) in 3.5. Also note that Pellegrini barely played Forlan in the Copa del Rey, and we had only one season in Europe during that span (the 2005-06 Champions League).
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:34 AM CET up reply actions
The Villarreal I got to know and love was that Champions League side so for me they will always be at the top. The way Riquelme played that year was just amazing, I would love for days like that to come back to the club! I’d agree with the inclusions of Josico and Nihat, both loved by the fans and great players for the club!
by Nick on Jan 20, 2011 4:48 PM CET reply actions
da english media / da vcf need $$$ badly
jajaja
Spurs target Rossi is available for £16.5m?
Independent
Spurs’ £35m for United flop Rossi?
- The Sun
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 1:50 AM CET reply actions
nice twist of da english media/ da rebellion g. rossi
Spurs target Rossi is available for £16.5m
The Italy international, who spent three years at Manchester United,
is showing no signs of agreeing a new deal at his Spanish club
and will certainly be sold before the end of next season
in order to realise some value for Villarreal
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 1:57 AM CET reply actions
jajajajaja
g.rossi fantasy brother
english media = big fail
TOTTENHAM were quoted an amazing £35million when they made a shock move for former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi.
Rossi’s brother, who acts as his advisor, had talks with Spurs representatives about the Italian international moving to White Hart Lane.
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 2:00 AM CET reply actions
english media = big fail = no facts just bull crap
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 2:02 AM CET reply actions
“no signs of agreeing a contract as his Spanish club”
not surprising, since Rossi’s agent said last week talks would be starting soon. Hard to agree before you start negotiating…..!
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 3:07 AM CET up reply actions
Some news:
Valero
picked up mild Sprain in clash w/Marchena and now is doubtful for Sunday’s Game
Senna
Recover time for Senna = Mystery
Nilmar
started running
Rossi
Maybid from spurs in 17-20 m euros range
by Acqua @ news on Jan 21, 2011 6:03 AM CET reply actions
more news
Alitdore
may go to Sporting on Loan
by Acqua @ news on Jan 21, 2011 6:04 AM CET reply actions
Altidore: also being linked w/loan to not-so-Super Depor apparently
Rossi: AS says his view of the Spurs bid is “that’s nice.” I like it here".
Valero: ankle injury, didn’t sound too bad.
Santi: feeling better, not sure if he will make the squad this Sunday or not.
Senna: agent apparently negotiating renewal, but no word on return
Also a rumor we are interested in Ander Herrera from Zaragoza. Under-21 international, but more of an attacking midfielder than a Senna-type, isn’t he? Maybe backup for Santi?
Other rumors (Chori Castro, Lucas, etc.) seem to have gone quiet
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 3:25 PM CET up reply actions
After Riquelme and Forlan, Nihat is up there with Llorente as my third-favorite Villarreal player of all-time. But in no way can you justify the Turk’s inclusion on this list.
Though he did bag 24 goals in 43 appearances in 2007-08, a fantastic strike rate, that was the only season in which he scored for the club. In his other two years, he was hampered by injuries and did not tally; if one season is enough, then Nilmar would get stronger consideration.
I had him on my bench initially, but the facts don’t lie.
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:37 AM CET reply actions
@Kenez: Agreed on Josico, but my excuse is that the high point of his career came right as I started to follow the club. I don’t know about putting him in the starting XI, as Riquelme officially on the wing seems weird (maybe use a diamond formation, with Riquelme at the head?), but he beats out Eguren for sure.
Tacchinardi is another red herring though, I think. I always used to put him in central midfield in FIFA and PES alongside Senna, but he only made 45 appearances for Villarreal and is more properly in a Juventus XI of the decade.
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:45 AM CET reply actions
@Raghu: Bruno will crack the starting XI eventually, as he will be the new face of the club, in my opinion. Musacchio is on track as well, while Nilmar makes the bench within 12 months, if he’s still here.
Then I’d look at one of our many young interiores: Hernan Perez, Iago, and Montero, to name three. And if Matilla can regain Garrido’s confidence, we know that he has the talent.
Welcome to the site!
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:50 AM CET reply actions
Thanks Sidarth.
Like you, I became a fan of this club during their first champions league campaign. I agree that we can never remove Riquelme and Forlan as they were the ones who put Villarreal on the global stage. A part of my following is also due to our inspirational coach Manuel Pellegrini. I wish him all the very best with Malaga. So do we all agree that he will be the one leading our Best XI team?
by Raghu on Jan 22, 2011 1:50 PM CET up reply actions
I started watching Villarreal matches at around 2007, as a young Villarreal fan I will vote for the dual Gs, Gonzalo and Godin. Remember that when we were in a fierce competition with Barcelona for the second direct qualification for UCL in 2008, they together with Diego Lopaz contributed the team’s longest clear-sheet minutes and the team successfully beat Barca, ranking the 2nd in that season as well. That’s the only time we can outrank the big 2 teams in our La Liga history.
by Garry on Jan 21, 2011 8:01 AM CET reply actions
Very good argument. And I even agree with you that the subcampeonato was a bigger achievement for the club, in the long run, than the Champions League semifinal berth. If we had won the CL, however, that would be a different story.
But I chose Arruabarrena for scoring the most important goal in club history; that will stand until we win our first title. In addition, I resent how Godín left and belittled the club that made him a World Cup standout from nothing. However, as he left only in 2010, that may be outside the scope of our discussion. You caught me.
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:19 PM CET up reply actions
Your best XI?:
Altidore
Altidore-Altidore-Altidore-Altidore
Altidore-Altidore-Altidore-Altidore
Altidore-Altidore
by leslie on Jan 21, 2011 12:30 PM CET up reply actions
Pires should definetely be instead of Cani, taking into consideration how much we have paid to Zaragoza for his services.
by klassik-mike on Jan 21, 2011 12:19 PM CET reply actions
In England it’s being reported Villarreal will accept £16.5m for Rossi.
by Acqua @ rumors on Jan 21, 2011 4:34 PM CET reply actions
I’’ve seen those reports too, but the source of that statement seems to be a story in the Independent which states “it is believed that” or “It is understood that” the club would be willing to accept that amount for a player who has only 18 months left on his deal". Nowhere have I found anything that definitely says VCF WILL ACCEPT or HAS AGREED TO ACCEPT 16.5m.
Unless talks have already begun and broken down between VCF and Rossi’s agent, and unless VCF thinks if Rossi stays until the end of the year clubs will offer even less money in the summer, then I don’t see it. Besides if he leaves we are basically giving up on qualifying for the Champions League, which the club says is their main goal for the year. To sacrifice that seems questionable to me.
I think this is just the EPL-besotted English press assuming they can steal Rossi from poor little Villarreal because we need the money and surely Rossi can’t be happy here when he could play at the third-best team in London.
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 5:54 PM CET up reply actions
i agree w/allen, it will b hard enough 4 vcf to make cl since tough away matches @seviile, valenica, atl mad, etc awaut. & w/o who brings lots of speed/opens spaces it will more hard.
then again, vcf may need da monies
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 6:08 PM CET up reply actions
@klassik-mike: I’ve been the first to mention this about Cani, but as this is more of a fantasy XI, I did not take cost into account. Pires was a great player for Villarreal, without a doubt, but he surely makes the Arsenal XI.
Does anyone want to take a stab at the all free transfer team? Pires would be the captain, and I don’t think we ever paid a dime (aside from wages) for players like Reina and Tacchinardi. And you could throw in homegrown talents like Bruno and Cazorla. Another solid XI.
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:13 PM CET reply actions
Quique Alvarez, maybe? Did we pay anything for him? I think an all-free transfer team would probably have players from the late 1990s-early 2000s on it, and my knowledge of the team doesn’t go back that far
but w/ Reina, Pires, Bruno, Cazorla that’s a fine start
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 7:33 PM CET up reply actions
real news / not english fluff
Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and FC Porto striker Hulk have been linked with Tottenham but Redknapp insists a deal to sign either of the two strikers will not be possible.
Redknapp said: "Rossi?
He’s a good player but he’s not available.
Incredible Hulk? No. Not going to happen. I couldn’t say we’re close to doing anything with anyone.’’
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 6:15 PM CET reply actions
real news / not english fluff
Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and FC Porto striker Hulk have been linked with Tottenham but Redknapp insists a deal to sign either of the two strikers will not be possible.
Redknapp said: "Rossi?
He’s a good player but he’s not available.
Incredible Hulk? No. Not going to happen. I couldn’t say we’re close to doing anything with anyone.’’
by jackson on Jan 21, 2011 6:15 PM CET reply actions
B team squad for tomorrow’s match against leaders Real Betis:
Porteros: Mariño y Vicente Flor.
Defensas: Héctor, Kiko, Mano, Truyols, Jaume Costa y Ángel Ortega.
Centrocampistas: Dutra, Marcos Gullón, Iago Falqué, Natxo Insa, Marquitos, Castellani y Nico.
Delanteros: Airam, Gerard y Hernán Pérez.
by sidarth on Jan 21, 2011 6:22 PM CET reply actions
It will be interesting to see if Airam gets a start tomorrow in the absence of Nikki Bille.
by Kenez on Jan 21, 2011 6:43 PM CET up reply actions
The match is scheduled to be shown on Canal Nou Dos so there should be coverage available.
by Kenez on Jan 21, 2011 10:01 PM CET up reply actions
Speaking of our midfielders (which I realize we were not): does anyone know for sure what the contract situation with Borja Valero is? Is he simply on loan, on loan with an option to buy, on loan with a definite sale at a definite price to follow, or…?
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 7:25 PM CET reply actions
The local media always gave the impression that the signing of Valero was a permanent deal. However the official WBA website says this;
“VALERO joined Villarreal on a season-long loan in July 2010 with a view to a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old midfielder rejoined the Baggies for pre-season training at the beginning of that month following a season-long loan in La Liga with Real Mallorca, who turned down an option to buy him. After returning to Albion, he expressed a strong desire to continue his career in Spain for professional and family reasons.
Valero became Albion’s record transfer when he completed a £4.7million move from Real Mallorca in August 2008. The playmaker penned a four-year contract, plus a further year’s option in the club’s favour.”
by Kenez on Jan 21, 2011 8:25 PM CET up reply actions
And the Sports Editor of EPM said Villarreal had signed Borja Valero for five seasons at a cost of 6m euros.
http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=577302
by Kenez on Jan 21, 2011 8:29 PM CET up reply actions
I did find this article in the local Birmingham paper. The article says he’s on loan this year with a binding agreement for a permanent deal, and as part of the binding agreement Borja has already signed a four-year contract (i assume starting next year).
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2010/07/20/albion-could-make-profit-on-valero/
What I found interesting were some of the comments that indicated West Brom had also done this with another player who they sold to Fulham, but initially on loan for a year with a binding agreement following. Apparently this was done for tax reasons. That makes sense.
The question came up in my mind because Borja made this “best of la Liga so far” team but the comment is we should enjoy him while we can because he will be gone in the summer. I don’t believe that’s right.
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 10:11 PM CET up reply actions
Has there been discussion here of Jozy to Gijon?
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2011/01/21/2315941/ramsey-report-another-loan-for-jozy
several other links report ‘rumors’.
by otf on Jan 21, 2011 7:35 PM CET reply actions
a little bit..Jozy did play against Gijon you’ll remember. I also saw this morning Depor might be interested. Certainly both those clubs are teams that need help up front if they are to stay up. It would seem to me to make more sense, if Jozy were to be loaned out, that it be to a Spanish club than one in Turkey or somewhere like that. he at least knows the style of play here and wouldn’t have as much of an adjustment to make. i would think a key question for Villarreal (if Jozy is amenable to a loan) is how much of a chance he will get to play.
by Allen on Jan 21, 2011 9:55 PM CET up reply actions
deport or gijon maynot be able to afford his 900,000 euros b4 taxes /season salary
by jackson on Jan 22, 2011 12:45 AM CET up reply actions
544 minutes, 2 goals. And both were against Segunda B side Poli Ejido in the Copa del Rey. Not good enough for a striker.
by sidarth on Jan 22, 2011 10:50 AM CET up reply actions
What I thought, w/o depth & injuiries Villarreal players were getting tired.
COPA Exit should help players RECOPE for Liga and Europa
El 22 del Submarino admite que se siente "un poco cansado" después de acumular 2.298 minutos en las tres competiciones
http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=631598
Marchena is no go for sunday, his left hamstring is aching
by Acqua Copa exit good for Season on Jan 22, 2011 4:41 AM CET reply actions
I have to award LOSER FAN of VILLARREAL to Carter @ forogroguets
(he’s Been ranting his dislike of Garrido and Rossi for a while forever)
Guy is glueless, doesn’t even know what great job Garrido had done so far and
Ruben is poacher while Rossi is more a Suport Striker.
Here is too Carter = STupid Moron @ forogroguets
by Acqua @ Carter aka lOSER on Jan 22, 2011 4:56 AM CET reply actions
looks like more Foreign Monies are coming into liga, which could be good …since new owners mean more competetive league -= hopefully anyway
Racing bought
Syed becomes the second foreign tycoon to own a Spanish football club after Qatar billionaire Abdullaha bin Nasser Al-Thani gained the ownership of Malaga in May for €25 million.
by Acqua @ on Jan 22, 2011 5:06 AM CET reply actions
Villarreal have made an offer to Zaragoza for Ander Herrera, the one that put Joan Oriol out for a few weeks, but Athletic looks the more likely to be his destination.
http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/athletic-villarreal-aprietan-ander/20110122dasdaiftb_43/Tes
by Kenez on Jan 22, 2011 10:39 AM CET reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Twitter & Facebook
