|
|
Ballon d'Or: David Villa Profile
The Valencia forward has only a slim chance of winning...
23-Nov-2009 8:58:00 AM
Join Goal.com for a look at yet another Ballon d'Or nominee, or click here for a full list of candidates, given here ordered by surname or 'football name'.
They Say...
“I’m happy because it’s another year and I think this a now a few [nominations] in a row, and I’m also happy because I think even though it’s my name there, this is a collective award for everyone because all my team-mates have helped me to be there.” Commenting on being selected on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, on Valencia’s official club website.
Prediction
David Villa is hot property but the relatively humble achievements of his club have meant his best work may have gone unnoticed. His goal record is among the best around, but the Spanish hit-man won’t threaten the top end of the final standings.
 |
DAVID VILLA Club:  ValenciaCountry: SpainAge: 24 (DOB December 3 1981) Position: Attacker Previous Placings: No |
Over the past few seasons, there have been few players in European football more prolific than David Villa, and 2009 represented business as usual for the Spanish international striker.
Despite playing in a Valencia side blighted by boardroom unrest and financial irregularity, Villa shone, scoring 31 goals in all competitions, equalling the highest total for a Los Che striker in a single season.
A summer of transfer speculation saw Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United heavily linked with a move for ‘El Guaje’, but he opted to remain at the Mestalla and how his club are grateful to have retained his services.
His scoring exploits have been equally as impressive in his role as Spain’s number 7, continuing to cement his place as the successor to Raul, and his goals aided a rampant La Furia Roja to a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign. Quite simply, David Villa equals goals.
Attributes
- 3rd highest scorer in the Spanish Primera Division in 2008/09
- Current top scorer in the Spanish Primera Division for 2009/10
- Spain’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying
- Linked with big-money move to England, Barcelona or even Real Madrid
- Generally regarded among the best strikers in the World
They Say...
“I’m happy because it’s another year and I think this a now a few [nominations] in a row, and I’m also happy because I think even though it’s my name there, this is a collective award for everyone because all my team-mates have helped me to be there.” Commenting on being selected on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, on Valencia’s official club website.
Prediction
David Villa is hot property but the relatively humble achievements of his club have meant his best work may have gone unnoticed. His goal record is among the best around, but the Spanish hit-man won’t threaten the top end of the final standings.
27. 28. David Villa
29. Xavi 
Inside Goal.Com
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation
-
Welbeck impresses but it's a bad day for Johnson
Ashley Young has also all but secured his place in the starting line up against France while Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Here's how the Belgium friendly affected the England player's chances of featuring in Euro 2012
-
Five players Rodgers could sign for Liverpool
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Lambert the latest in EPL manager merry-go-round
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday