After a busy summer time on the Estadio Ceramica, VillarrealFanTV supplied up his ideas on the switch exercise and the way it will impression on Marcelino’s aspect within the 2024/25 season:

Certainly one of fundamental issues Marcelino needed earlier than returning as Villarreal head coach was to have management within the switch market, bringing in solely gamers that suited his model of play, which is a inflexible 4-4-2 formation. This request was granted by the Roigs and he signed a two and a half 12 months contract with the membership in late 2023.

This summer time window was undoubtedly some of the hectic intervals lately for Villarreal’s board. There was a transparent want for drastic modifications, notably as a consequence of considerations concerning the common age of the squad. 

Previous to the window, Villarreal had one of many oldest squads within the league, with a mean age of 30.8 among the many 21 first-team gamers.

The summer time of 2024 caused a considerable restructuring of the squad, pushed by the necessity to refresh the group and tackle defensive weaknesses. Many gamers, together with Manu Trigueros, Alberto Moreno, Etienne Capoue, Francis Coquelin, Jose Luis Morales, Pepe Reina, and Aissa Mandi weren’t in Marcelino’s plans. Their departures have been pushed by numerous elements, together with their excessive wages and the brand new tactical and strategic route.

With these departures, the following essential step was to promote a key participant to generate funds for reinforcements in crucial areas, notably defence. Final season, Villarreal conceded 65 league objectives, probably the most within the membership’s high flight historical past, and this was a serious concern for Marcelino. Identified for his emphasis on defensive organisation and construction, the 59-year-old turned annoyed with the group’s fragilities on the again.

Overview of Marcelino’s model

Marcelino depends on a compact defence, a hard-working midfield, and forwards who can press aggressively and convert probabilities with scientific effectivity. His groups are sometimes characterised by their potential to soak up strain and counter assault with few touches utilizing gamers with pace and vitality. This requires gamers who’re bodily match, fast and versatile.

Primary summer time departures

• Alexander Sørloth: His departure leaves a void within the attacking division, particularly when it comes to goalscoring potential.
• Filip Jørgensen: A goalkeeper who initially divided opinion among the many followers, his early performances at Villarreal have been unconvincing. Nonetheless, he confirmed important enchancment over the course of final season, rising with confidence after every match. Regardless of nonetheless being a piece in progress, he caught the eye of Chelsea, who signed him in the summertime.
• Jorge Cuenca: A younger defender initially seen as Pau Torres’ successor. Marcelino didn’t see him as a very good match for his defensive model. His slower tempo and restricted turning radius didn’t align with Marcelino’s tactical preferences. He signed with Fulham in the summertime.
• Ben Brereton Diaz: The Chilean worldwide joined Villarreal on a free switch final 12 months however departed this summer time for €8.3m. Regardless of the excessive hopes, he by no means absolutely settled on the membership and left with out scoring a aim.
• Arnaut Danjuma: Danjuma made a late transfer to Girona on a mortgage deal within the last hours of the switch window.

Primary summer time arrivals

• Thierno Barry (Basel): Barry is a flexible younger ahead, anticipated so as to add depth and vitality to Villarreal’s attacking choices.
• Logan Costa (Toulouse): Costa strengthens the back-line along with his bodily presence and defensive reliability.
• Luiz Junior (Famalicao):  Luiz Junior is a extremely rated goalkeeper, recognized for his shot-stopping talents, who will compete for the beginning function.
• Diego Conde (Leganes): Conde provides additional depth to the goalkeeping place, offering a stable back-up choice with potential for development.
• Pape Gueye (Marseille): Gueye brings presence to the midfield, providing energy, ball-winning capabilities, and the power to assist each defence and assault.
• Ayoze Perez (Actual Betis): Ayoze is a flexible ahead who can play throughout the entrance line, bringing creativity and expertise to Villarreal’s assault.
• Sergi Cardona (Las Palmas): Cardona is a full-back recognized for his potential to assist the assault down the left flank. 
• Juan Bernat (PSG): Because of rising considerations and uncertainty over Alfonso Pedraza’s damage, Villarreal determined to usher in Juan Bernat from PSG on a season-long mortgage deal.

Concluding ideas

Marcelino has chosen to give attention to youth, vitality and tempo relatively than expertise in constructing his squad. He prefers youthful, dynamic gamers who can carry freshness and pace to the group which aligns along with his model of play. 

With that being mentioned, it should take time for these younger gamers to gel and construct understanding with one another. With so many new signings, there’ll inevitably be some disruption in group chemistry and an necessary participant like Sørloth will likely be difficult to interchange. 

Arnaut Danjuma additionally made a shocking late transfer to Girona within the last hours of the summer time switch window. This transfer raised eyebrows, notably as a result of Danjuma had proven a renewed angle and dedication throughout the pre-season and in Villarreal’s first three league video games. 

His performances urged that he was set to play an necessary function for the Yellow Submarine this season, making the choice to let him be part of a direct rival much more puzzling. 

The final minute departure of Danjuma considerably weakens their attacking choices, leaving the group extra susceptible. He was a key participant for Villarreal, recognized for his potential to create probabilities and rating essential objectives. His absence compelled the group to rely extra closely on different attacking gamers, who might not have been as efficient or as naturally built-in into the squad’s tactical setup.