Heading into the November international break, we continue our series of 2015-16 progress reports with a look at La Liga surprise packet Villarreal.
What has Gone Right?
Reaching the top of the league for the first time in the club’s history. It may have only been for two weeks, but Villarreal’s start to the season could not have gone better. Unbeaten in their first six matches had the little club from Castellon sitting at the La Liga summit, looking down at the big boys of Spanish football.
The Yellow Submarine was never going to stay unbeaten though and with 11 matches played, they now occupy fifth position with a 6-2-3 record.
Having moved their whole forward line on in the summer, big things were needed from the replacements and the new strikers have delivered. Cedric Bakambu leads the scoring sheets for the club, having netted four times thus far this season. Leo Baptistao has chipped in with two goals, as has Roberto Soldado who has also registered four assists, joint top of the league.
Adrian Lopez has gotten in on the scoring action in the Europa league, while the form of the wide attackers has also been paramount to the success of the team.
What has Gone Wrong?
What has worried Marcelino’s team the most this season has been there travels away from El Madrigal.
Villarreal have already lost three times on the road, at Barcelona and Levante in La Liga and at Rapid Wien in the Europa League, while dour draws at Real Betis and Las Palmas have also blighted their season.
The style the team has adopted when away from home has been timid and defensive. Although a suitable tactic to play at the Camp Nou, one which worked for 60 minutes of that match, it is not something that needs to be taken to the Canary Islands to play Las Palmas.
Their only wins away from home have come more from luck then judgement. An own goal was all that separated them and Malaga while a lucky deflection stuck down Dinamo Minsk in Belarus. Their only win of quality came against 19th placed Granada, who have only managed one win all season.
The Yellow Submarine lack potency outside of El Madrigal and it could be much of a hindrance to the continuation of their 2015-16.
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Best player so far – Mario Gaspar
The 24-year-old right-back is the only player, aside from goal keeper Alphonse Areola, to play every minute of every league match thus far and his work was rewarded with his first call =-up to the Spanish national team.
Mario has been impressive in his defensive work and immaculate in his offensive movement. Whether playing behind the more attacking Nahuel Leiva or the more defensive minded Jonathan Dos Santos, he has never failed to impress.
The new international also scored on his debut for La Furia Roja, as his attacking instincts were on full show in front of Vicente Del Bosque.
If Mario continues this form, look for his inclusion in the Spain side that attempts to defend its crown at Euro 2016.
What is Next?
Most important for The Yellow Submarine going forward will be balancing the squad as they attempt to fight on three fronts.
In their next seven matches Villarreal will play three in the league, two in the Europa League and a two-legged tie in the Cope Del Rey. The congestion of the fixture list may hurt a squad already suffering from injuries, but Marcelino is looking at all three competitions as important to his team.
Villarreal have a good shot in the Europa League, sitting second in their table and needing only a point to qualify for the knockout stages, El Submarino Amarillo will be one of the clubs to watch going forward in the competition.
Marcelino will also want at least want to repeat last season’s run to the Copa Semi-Finals while not losing sight of the all important fourth place in the league.
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