Villarreal CF Midfielders 2024/25: A Detailed Examination

Villarreal CF Midfielders crew is well known for its tactical discipline, admirable central game-play distribution and and ability to develop and nature talent. Simply put, the El Submarino Amarillo’s midfield has been integral to its success. Midfielders are the beating heart of the team, orchestrating play, breaking up opposition attacks, and contributing to both defensive and offensive duties. As we delve into the 2024/25 season, let’s take a closer look at the midfielders currently on the roster. From seasoned internationals to promising youngsters, each player has a unique role to play for Villarreal in the ongoing campaign.

1. José Luis Morales

Nationality: Spanish
Date of Birth: June 23, 1987 (Age: 37)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Levante, 2022)
Former Clubs: Levante, Real Madrid (youth)

José Luis Morales, commonly known as “El Comandante,” is one of the more experienced figures in Villarreal’s midfield. Signed as a free agent from Levante in 2022, Morales brought a wealth of La Liga experience and leadership to the Yellow Submarine. Though primarily an attacking player, his ability to play both on the wing and in more central midfield roles provides Villarreal CF midfielders roster with versatility. Over the years, Morales has proven his worth with his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create dangerous opportunities in the final third.

Having spent the majority of his career at Levante UD, Morales is best known for his ability to score goals and deliver key assists, even as a winger or wide attacker. He’s contributed to many of the club’s recent victories by offering a creative spark and pulling defenders out of position with his runs and service into the box. While Morales is not as dynamic as he once was, his footballing intelligence, movement, and experience make him an invaluable asset, especially in big games where his maturity can calm the team’s nerves.

2. Dani Parejo

Nationality: Spanish
Date of Birth: April 16, 1989 (Age: 35)
Transfer Fee: €6 million (from Valencia, 2020)
Former Clubs: Real Madrid B, Getafe, Valencia

Dani Parejo is one of Villarreal’s most essential midfielders, a player with remarkable technical ability and tactical intelligence. The Spanish international joined Villarreal CF midfielders crew from local rivals Valencia in 2020 for €6 million, adding a much-needed depth of experience and quality to the midfield. Parejo’s playing style is defined by his exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. He has a brilliant understanding of when to slow things down or speed up play, an essential quality for any team looking to maintain control of a match.

Parejo’s leadership both on and off the pitch is also one of his defining traits. His ability to guide younger players, communicate defensive positioning, and organize the midfield is key to El Submarino Amarillo’s cohesive structure. A dead-ball specialist, Parejo is known for his precise set-piece deliveries and ability to score from long-range free kicks. Throughout his career, Parejo has earned numerous accolades, including La Liga titles with Valencia, and his influence with the “Yellow Submarine” has been evident in the club’s solid performances in both domestic and European competitions.

3. Giovani Lo Celso

Nationality: Argentine
Date of Birth: April 9, 1996 (Age: 29)
Transfer Fee: €16.5 million (from Tottenham Hotspur, 2023)
Former Clubs: Rosario Central, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, Villarreal (loan)

Giovani Lo Celso is a talented Argentine midfielder who plays a critical role for Villarreal CF midfielders in the 2024/25 season. Signed permanently from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 after a successful loan spell at the club, Lo Celso brought his creativity and flair to the midfield, instantly becoming one of the most influential players in the squad. Known for his dribbling, vision, and passing accuracy, Lo Celso is the kind of player who can unlock defenses with a single pass or darting run. He’s also known for his intelligence and ability to operate in tight spaces, making him a valuable playmaker.

Before his time at Tottenham, Lo Celso began his career at Rosario Central before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent a few seasons developing under top-tier coaches. His time in Paris and at Spurs has helped him evolve into a well-rounded midfielder, capable of contributing to both defensive and offensive duties. Lo Celso’s ability to play as an attacking midfielder, on the wings, or in a deeper role makes him a versatile option for manager Quique Setién. With his skill set, he can be the key to unlocking opposition defenses in crucial moments.

4. Etienne Capoue

Nationality: French
Date of Birth: January 11, 1988 (Age: 37)
Transfer Fee: €6 million (from Watford, 2020)
Former Clubs: Toulouse, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford

Etienne Capoue is the midfield enforcer in Villarreal’s squad. The Frenchman joined the club from Watford in 2020 for €6 million, bringing a wealth of Premier League experience and a strong defensive presence to the midfield. Capoue is known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to break up opposition attacks. His tackling, positioning, and aerial strength make him an ideal candidate to shield the defense and provide stability in the center of the park.

While Capoue is often tasked with more defensive duties, his passing and vision are also a notable part of his game. He can distribute the ball effectively over long distances and is comfortable under pressure. Although his role is more about protecting the backline and recovering possession, Capoue’s contribution is vital in providing a solid foundation for Villarreal’s counter-attacks and attacking transitions.

With his vast experience in top European leagues, Capoue remains a key figure in Villarreal CF midfielders squad, providing crucial depth and defensive solidity. His understanding of the game allows him to read situations before they unfold, making him an invaluable asset in high-pressure moments.

5. Pervis Estupiñán

Nationality: Ecuadorian
Date of Birth: January 21, 1998 (Age: 27)
Transfer Fee: €15 million (from Brighton & Hove Albion, 2022)
Former Clubs: Independiente del Valle, Watford, Brighton & Hove Albion

Pervis Estupiñán is primarily known for his role as a left-back, but his qualities make him a natural fit in Villarreal’s midfield setup, particularly when the team needs to overload the flanks or transition quickly from defense to attack. The Ecuadorian joined Villarreal CF midfielders roster in 2022 for €15 million after a successful spell with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Although he is predominantly a defender, Estupiñán’s attacking abilities allow him to function as a dynamic midfielder when required.

Estupiñán is known for his pace, dribbling, and excellent crossing ability. His lung-busting runs down the left side of the field have often created scoring opportunities, and his stamina ensures that he can contribute defensively as well as offensively. His versatility and work rate make him a perfect option for the Yellow Submarine’s high-intensity, quick-transition style of play. As part of the midfield, Estupiñán’s ability to support the attack and track back in defense adds a unique dimension to the team’s setup.

6. Raúl Albiol

Nationality: Spanish
Date of Birth: September 4, 1985 (Age: 39)
Transfer Fee: €5 million (from Napoli, 2019)
Former Clubs: Valencia, Real Madrid, Napoli

Raúl Albiol is best known for his role as a central defender, but his footballing intelligence, passing range, and leadership qualities have seen him used occasionally in a defensive midfield role for Villarreal. The veteran Spanish defender has been with the club since 2019, and while he primarily features in defense, his adaptability has allowed him to help shield the backline from the midfield. Albiol’s experience playing in top leagues such as La Liga and Serie A gives him a unique understanding of the game, making him an excellent communicator and organizer at the heart of the defense and midfield.

Though his role in midfield is limited, Albiol’s passing range and ability to read the game make him a steady presence. As he nears the end of his career, he still contributes with his leadership, calmness under pressure, and ability to help control the game from a deeper position.

7. Álex Baena

Nationality: Spanish
Date of Birth: January 20, 2002 (Age: 23)
Transfer Fee: €10 million (from Villarreal B, 2021)
Former Clubs: Villarreal B

Álex Baena is one of the rising stars in Villarreal’s midfield. After progressing through the club’s youth system, Baena earned a place in the senior squad in 2021 and has quickly established himself as a regular contributor. Known for his technical ability, dribbling, and creativity, Baena is capable of playing both centrally and on the wings, offering flexibility to the team.

Baena has a natural flair for the game and is often involved in the buildup play, threading passes through tight spaces and making intelligent runs into the box. His agility and quick decision-making enable him to evade defenders and link up well with his teammates. With his youth and talent, Baena is expected to play a pivotal role for Villarreal CF midfielders lineup, and many expect him to continue developing into one of Spain’s top players.

Villarreal CF’s midfielders for the 2024/25 season are a balanced mix of experience and youthful energy. From seasoned leaders like Dani Parejo and Etienne Capoue to dynamic talents such as Giovani Lo Celso and Álex Baena, Villarreal has the right mix of players to control games in various situations. Each midfielder brings a unique skill set to the team, whether it’s defensive solidity, creativity, or attacking flair. Under manager Quique Setién, Villarreal’s midfield will continue to be crucial in the club’s quest for success, both domestically and in Europe. With a mix of veterans and promising stars, the Yellow Submarine has the resources it needs to challenge for top positions in La Liga while developing talent for the future.