Villarreal International Break Musings

First, a great win for Villarreal B, defeating high-fliers Almería 2-1 at the Ciudad Deportiva. Joselu took his league-leading tally to 10 goals with a brace, including a penalty in 90'+3. Pichichi + 3 points is good stuff.

After ten months, right back Ángel López has finally returned to the Yellow Submarine. Now it's time for contract talks, but neither side appears to be in a rush. Let's hope he returns to form and something gets done in early 2012.

Interesting comparison between Villarreal and English Championship side Burnley. Some discussion of our poor form, along with a tactical analysis of the 4-2-2-2 and its patented interiores. Worth a read.

On a related note, this is the worst Villarreal side to date, by the numbers. 9 goals scored and 17 allowed are both all-time marks. At least one part is turning around.

Some winter transfer rumors:

Oussama Assaidi: A young Moroccan midfielder, Assaidi currently plays for SC Heerenveen. The Eredivisie is a great developmental league, and Morocco is growing as a football power, so it's an interesting thought.

Gonzalo "Chori" Castro: Another Mallorca midfielder, naturally. The Uruguayan was a rumored summer target, but that never materialized. Jonathan de Guzmán came over instead, following in the footsteps of Ariel Ibagaza and Borja Valero. We'll see.

Romelu Lukaku: AS claims a deal could be on the cards, if both sides are amenable. Not sure what that means. We can't afford Lukaku on a permanent basis, but a loan would be very intriguing. More of a raw physical specimen than a polished striker, similar to Jozy Altidore, but the Belgian's skill level is higher.

Javier Saviola: Rumors continue with regard to him and Croatian striker Ivica Olic of Bayern Munich. What is interesting: Villarreal would reportedly pay Benfica €6 million for a player in the last six months of his contract. That's the same amount as for Spanish U-21 Adrián López of Atlético Madrid. I think not.