A deadly Messi-Villa combination ensured Barcelona maintain their 13 point lead at the top of the table, defeating Rayo Vallecano 3-1, the prolific duo played part in all three goals scored in the night.
After suffering a lengthy spell on the Barcelona bench, David Villa has made an inspiring comeback into the first team.
The Spanish international suffered a horrific injury back in December 2011, forcing him out of action for almost seven months. His prolonged absence kept him out of Spain’s successful Euro 2012 campaign, but the worst was yet to come for El Guaje. Upon his anticipated return, the forward was unable to impress new boss Tito Vilanova and was thus axed from the starting line-up.
The former Valencia man was neglected to the extent that before the Rayo Vallecano tie, the forward had only thrice completed 90 minutes this season and started only eight of Barcelona’s games. Injury to midfield maestro Xavi Hernandes, coupled with Barcelona’s congested fixtures resulted in a reshuffle in the team, and Villa was given a chance to prove himself again reinserted in the starting line-up.
The results were fruitful and David Villa now seems to be drawing closer to his previous best with every passing game. His return was marked by his incredible performance against Milan, in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Xavi’s terrific vision found Villa inside the box, who with his first touch easily swept past an onrushing Kevin Konstant, El Guaje then struck a delightful curler well beyond Christian Abbiati to earn his team a very important lead.
His emotional celebration foretold his moving tale, from being a Champions League winner to a benchwarmer, the forward was back and made his statement at the biggest stage.
Villa who in the winter transfer window was heavily linked to Premier League sides Manchester City and Arsenal, will now once again be competing for the starting berth in a highly competitive Barcelona squad. The competition is as fierce as ever and Villa will be against the likes of Fabregas and Pedro who are all itching for a starting berth.
Juventus target Alexis Sanchez is also set to prove his worth in a quest to stay at Barcelona beyond the summer transfer window. Sanchez’s performances have improved as of late, he has assisted two and scored one for Barcelona in the last three games. Emerging youth player Cristian Tello will also be up for the challenge, the forward is finally coming off age and will be on his toes to attract attention of the Barcelona coaches.
However a fit and firing David Villa is second to none and deserves an automatic place in the starting line-up. Villa has been a peripheral figure in Spanish football, the mercurial striker has scored 53 goals for his national team in 86 appearances. The ratio is only matched by another Spanish great Alfredo Di Stefano, which speaks a lot of Villa’s talents. In the 2005/2006 season, Villa was voted as the best player in La Liga and his 25 league goals guided Valencia to the third spot.
While his growing age might be a concern, his ability his passion and his commitment to the team cannot be questioned. He is at times overshadowed by the phenomenal talent in his side, but the striker himself has undeniable talent. Barcelona are currently on the course of winning their 22nd league title, with a 13 point cushion at the top of the table. The Spanish giants will also continue to compete for the European glory and a fit and firing David Villa will contribute massively to their objectives.
The Spanish international suffered a horrific injury back in December 2011, forcing him out of action for almost seven months. His prolonged absence kept him out of Spain’s successful Euro 2012 campaign, but the worst was yet to come for El Guaje. Upon his anticipated return, the forward was unable to impress new boss Tito Vilanova and was thus axed from the starting line-up.
The former Valencia man was neglected to the extent that before the Rayo Vallecano tie, the forward had only thrice completed 90 minutes this season and started only eight of Barcelona’s games. Injury to midfield maestro Xavi Hernandes, coupled with Barcelona’s congested fixtures resulted in a reshuffle in the team, and Villa was given a chance to prove himself again reinserted in the starting line-up.
The results were fruitful and David Villa now seems to be drawing closer to his previous best with every passing game. His return was marked by his incredible performance against Milan, in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Xavi’s terrific vision found Villa inside the box, who with his first touch easily swept past an onrushing Kevin Konstant, El Guaje then struck a delightful curler well beyond Christian Abbiati to earn his team a very important lead.
His emotional celebration foretold his moving tale, from being a Champions League winner to a benchwarmer, the forward was back and made his statement at the biggest stage.
Villa who in the winter transfer window was heavily linked to Premier League sides Manchester City and Arsenal, will now once again be competing for the starting berth in a highly competitive Barcelona squad. The competition is as fierce as ever and Villa will be against the likes of Fabregas and Pedro who are all itching for a starting berth.
Juventus target Alexis Sanchez is also set to prove his worth in a quest to stay at Barcelona beyond the summer transfer window. Sanchez’s performances have improved as of late, he has assisted two and scored one for Barcelona in the last three games. Emerging youth player Cristian Tello will also be up for the challenge, the forward is finally coming off age and will be on his toes to attract attention of the Barcelona coaches.
However a fit and firing David Villa is second to none and deserves an automatic place in the starting line-up. Villa has been a peripheral figure in Spanish football, the mercurial striker has scored 53 goals for his national team in 86 appearances. The ratio is only matched by another Spanish great Alfredo Di Stefano, which speaks a lot of Villa’s talents. In the 2005/2006 season, Villa was voted as the best player in La Liga and his 25 league goals guided Valencia to the third spot.
While his growing age might be a concern, his ability his passion and his commitment to the team cannot be questioned. He is at times overshadowed by the phenomenal talent in his side, but the striker himself has undeniable talent. Barcelona are currently on the course of winning their 22nd league title, with a 13 point cushion at the top of the table. The Spanish giants will also continue to compete for the European glory and a fit and firing David Villa will contribute massively to their objectives.
