What becomes of an identity if it is no longer true? We could find out this season as the state of La Liga's two superpowers has opened up a space for a host of other clubs. Read more »
Valencia Analysis
Stasis & Opulence: La Liga's Identity Remains In Flux
2019 Copa Del Rey Match Abstract: Valencia 2, Barcelona 1
Having Valencia back amongst Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid adds another layer of nuance to La Liga. We haven't seen a good Valencia side in the social media era as Atleti have taken over the role as the alternative to the top-2. Read more »
Why Valencia's Success Is No Early Season Fluke
Valencia attack directly now. They're defensively organized. The players work with and without the ball, or they don't play. Read more »
Marcelino And Goncalo Guedes Give Valencia A Counterattacking Shape
Marcelino's side adds another wrinkle to the style and personality of the league alongside the big three of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atleti. Read more »
La Liga And Allowing What's Strange To Become Interesting
If you spend enough time studying any group of people, you will find things to like about them. It is a moving experience and it reaffirms what most of us already know: people are infinite. And if we know this, we know to reject misanthropes and bigots. Read more »
The Long Purgatory Of Valencia
Those Valencia title runs from not so long ago seem deep in the past as the club has been corrupted by a failed stadium project and super agent Jorge Mendes. The fans are losing the sense that ecstatic days like those could return. Read more »
Picking Up The Pieces Of The Rafa-lution
Rafa Benitez's tactics at Valencia that made him successful were in large part reactionary, aimed to close off space without the ball. The idea remains the same 15 years later. But it may be one step too far for Benitez this time around. Read more »
Gary Neville Goes To Spain
His public insights make Gary Neville perhaps the very first manager of the social media age. We can project how Valencia will play under his watch: a high press, passion, winning with youth - the signature hallmarks of the modern game. Read more »