Valencia have been one of the most renowned La Liga teams in recent past, however, they have suffered some horrific time off-late. Gary Neville’s managerial run did not go as per planned and the former Manchester United player was sacked after just 4 months in charge.
The Bats are currently 12th in the La Liga table and are looking for a new manager next season with Jose Mourinho’s name linked with the move as well. Historically, Valencia have produced some of the best players in modern era but could never hold on to them given their financial situation.
The trend is expected to continue in the summer with Andre Gomes heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and Premier League. On that note, we take a look at five of the best Valencia’s exports to European Football who are still playing at the top level.
Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
Nicolas Otamendi hasn’t had the best debut season at Manchester City, but was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season. He was rock solid at the heart of defense, first at Porto and then at Valencia.
He was the first Valencia defender to score 6 goals in a league campaign and was the only player from his team to be named in La Liga team of the year.
In the wake of Vincent Kompany’s injury problem, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini splashed out €44 million for the services of the Argentine center back. Otamendi’s presence will be crucial for Manchester city’s semi final match against Real Madrid later this month.
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
A graduate of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Juan Mata joined Valencia and immediately became an integral part of Ronald Koeman’s side. His 46 goals in 160 appearance took him to Chelsea for a fee believed to be in the region of €28 million.
The Spanish playmaker won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Europa league with at Stamford Bridge. He was named Chelsea’s player of the year for two consecutive seasons before falling out of favor under Jose Mourinho.
On 2014 Mata joined Manchester United for £37.1 million and since then has been trying to add to his trophy cabinet in England.
Isco (Real Madrid)
A product of Valencia’s youth system, Isco only made 4 appearances for the first team after suffering relegation with the reserves. Manuel Pellegrini activated Isco’s €6 million buy-out clause in 2011, which saw him move to Malaga .
On his debut season at Malaga the spainish Atacking midfielder helped Malaga to qualify for the Champions League for the first time ever .
A €30 million move took him to Real Madrid where he is yet to nail down a place in starting XI. He has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal which would rejuvenate his stuck-up season.
David Silva (Manchester City)
Another product of Valencia’s youth system, David Silva spent six years with Valencia before moving to Manchester city in 2011.
Silva has won the premier league title twice, making more than 250 appearances and scoring 43 goals for the Citizens. His great passing and vision has earned him the nickname “Merlin”. He primarily serves as a playmaker but is capable of scoring goals himself .
Silva has managed to get 100 caps for Spain in a midfield with features Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquetes.
Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Jordi Alba has made the left back position his own both for Barcelona and Spain is one of the Valencia’s most successful graduates.
In 2012 Barcelona paid €14 million for the Spanish defender as a long-term replacement for Eric Abidal. Since then, the lightning quick Alba has won 2 league titles and a champions league trophy.
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