The story so far
Within striking distance of the lucrative fourth place and Champions League qualification, Marcelino and his team are looking like a team to be reckoned with in Spain’s top flight.
El Submarino Amarillo’s biggest battle thus far has not been on the pitch but rather fighting to get players onto it.
Starting the season with a first-choice goalkeeper and a first-choice centre-back out of commission would be a battle for any club, more so for a team with the limited resources of Villarreal but that was just the case with the Yellow Submarine missing Sergio Asenjo and Mateo Musacchio from the off.
Both are back in training, with Musacchio back playing first team football but long-term injuries to forwards Leo Baptistao and Adrian have hamstrung the front line while Mario Gaspar, Antonio Rukavina, Eric Bailly, Jaume Costa, Samuel Garcia and Cedric Bakambu have all missed time for the club this season.
In between all the injuries, Villarreal have managed to spend two weeks atop the league for the first time in the club’s history, as well as having recorded a victory over Real Madrid for only the third time.
The team’s home form has been exemplary but performances on the road have let them down.
With a 9-3-4 record from 16 matches, Villarreal sit only one point off Celta Vigo in fourth place.
The manager
Marcelino Garcia Toral has cemented his place as one of the most talented managers in the Spanish top flight this season and the club has rewarded him in turn with a new contract which sees him with the team until 2019.
His 4-4-2 formation has been his calling card with minor tweaks being made that has seen the team play either more attacking or defensive football depending on whether it is home or away.
At El Madrigal, Manu Trigueros has been preferred through the middle to give the team a more forward flowing game while on the road, Tomas Pina has been paired with captain Bruno Soriano for his ability to break up opposition play.
Marcelino’s managerial prowess has overseen the team through its injury storms and has unearthed youth team players Nahuel Leiva and Adrian Marin. His teachings seem to be getting the best out of young journeyman Denis Suarez, who is just beginning to play to his potential.
Standout player
Due to injuries, finding a standout player has been difficult.
Special mentions thus far must go to club captain Bruno, who controls the midfield for the team, recently selected Spanish international Mario and on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, whose performances have defied his 21 years of age.
When looking at who has had the most influence for the team though, the plaudits must go to striker Cedric Bakambu.
The Congolese forward has struck a team-high six goals this season, with three assists, and has begun what will be a fruitful partnership with former Spanish international Roberto Soldado.
Having only joined at the beginning of the season, Bakambu has slotted into the void left by Luciano Vietto and has taken away the bleak thoughts of what life after the Argentine might have been like.
Second half season prediction
The second half of the season for Villarreal hinges on keeping a clean bill of health and managing fixture congestion due to playing in three competitions.
With ties against Athletic Bilbao and Napoli in the Copa Del Rey and Europa League respectively, progress is not assured in either tournament.
When approaching the remainder of the La Liga season, all eyes will be focused on fourth place. Both the team and the fans should be confident of reaching that peak as their performances thus far have shown that they are capable.
Champions League qualification should be the passing grade from this point forward and should Villarreal improve their poor away record, that will be achieved.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90and like us on Facebook.
