Villarreal CF Forwards 2024/25: A Detailed Analysis
Villarreal CF forwards lineup for the 2024/25 season is filled with a diverse mix of dynamic and talented players, each offering unique qualities that make the Yellow Submarine a formidable force in La Liga and beyond. From clinical strikers to versatile wingers, Villarreal’s forwards have the ability to break down any defense and produce goals. Here we’ll delves into each of the club’s forward players for the current season, exploring their backgrounds, playing styles, and the important roles they play for the club.
1. Gerard Moreno (Striker)
Gerard Moreno is without a doubt one of Villarreal CF’s most important and influential players. The 32-year-old Spanish forward is the team’s undisputed talisman, serving as the focal point of their attacking play. Having joined Villarreal CF forwards roster from Espanyol in 2018 for a transfer fee of €20 million, Moreno has cemented himself as one of La Liga’s most accomplished strikers. Known for his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to link up play, Moreno has been directly involved in numerous goals during his time at the club.
Moreno is a complete forward, capable of scoring with both feet and his head, and his composure in front of goal is remarkable. His ability to drop deeper into midfield to collect the ball and then either hold it up or link it to teammates makes him an excellent playmaker in addition to being a goal scorer. He has developed a fantastic partnership with other attacking players at Villarreal, including wingers and attacking midfielders, allowing him to operate both as a target man and as part of a fluid attacking trio.
Moreno’s form has earned him regular call-ups to the Spanish national team, where he has also made a name for himself in major international tournaments. His leadership on the pitch, combined with his consistent goal-scoring record, makes him an indispensable asset for the El Submarino Amarillo in their pursuit of success in both La Liga and European competitions.
2. José Luis Morales (Forward)
José Luis Morales, affectionately known as “El Comandante,” is another attacking option for Villarreal CF forwards crew, bringing with him a wealth of experience and versatility. The 35-year-old Spanish forward joined the club in 2024 after spending the majority of his career at Levante, where he became a club legend. During his time at Levante, Morales earned recognition as one of the most consistent and hardworking players in La Liga, known for his speed, technical ability, and work ethic.
Morales has the capability to play in several positions in the forward line, including as a center forward, second striker, or winger, offering flexibility to manager Quique Setién. His speed and stamina allow him to make runs in behind opposition defenses, while his ability to drift wide and provide quality crosses also makes him a threat in wide areas. Despite his age, Morales remains highly effective, contributing both goals and assists, as well as using his experience to guide younger players.
Having already proven his value at Levante, Morales’ arrival at Villarreal CF was a statement of intent from the club. He is a key figure in the dressing room and continues to be a reliable player, whether it’s finishing off chances, creating opportunities, or providing leadership on and off the field. His combination of pace, vision, and finishing makes him a potent threat in any attacking position.
3. Alexander Sörloth (Striker)
Alexander Sörloth is a 28-year-old Norwegian striker who joined Villarreal CF forwards setup on loan from RB Leipzig in 2024, with the potential for a permanent move. Standing at 6’4″, Sörloth is a powerful and physical presence in the box, known for his aerial ability and strength in duels. His move to the Yellow Submarine is part of the club’s strategy to add more firepower up front, complementing the existing attacking options with a player who can dominate in the air and bring a different dimension to the attack.
Sörloth’s career has seen him play for several clubs across Europe, including Crystal Palace, Trabzonspor, and RB Leipzig. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to score goals in various leagues, with his time at Trabzonspor in particular seeing him develop into a prolific goal scorer. At Leipzig, Sörloth struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, which led to his loan move to Villarreal.
What sets Sörloth apart is his physicality, which allows him to hold off defenders and get on the end of crosses. His sharp movement in the box and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal. While he’s not as mobile as some of the club’s other forwards, his ability to bring others into play and convert chances will be invaluable, especially in aerial duels and counter-attacking situations.
4. Samuel Chukwueze (Winger)
Samuel Chukwueze, the 25-year-old Nigerian winger, has been one of Villarreal’s standout players in recent years, and his electrifying performances continue to make him a fan favorite. Chukwueze joined the Yellow Submarine in 2017, and since then, he has developed into one of La Liga’s most dangerous wide players. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and creativity, Chukwueze is capable of causing havoc for any defender, particularly with his ability to take on players one-on-one.
The Nigerian international is a versatile attacking player who can operate on either wing, though he is most dangerous when cutting inside from the right to unleash shots on goal or deliver dangerous passes. Chukwueze’s ability to stretch opposition defenses with his pace creates space for his teammates, and his direct style of play makes him a constant threat. His link-up play with his fellow attackers is also improving, allowing him to be more involved in the buildup play and contribute to goals and assists.
Chukwueze’s performances with Villarreal CF forwards squad have earned him recognition on the international stage, and his growing reputation as one of the top wingers in La Liga has attracted interest from clubs around Europe. Despite speculation about potential moves, he remains committed to the Yellow Submarine where he will continue to play a vital role in their offensive system.
5. Giovani Lo Celso (Attacking Midfield/Forward)
Giovani Lo Celso, the 28-year-old Argentine playmaker, is another key member of Villarreal’s attacking squad. Lo Celso joined the club in 2023 after a successful loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur, and his move was made permanent for a reported €25 million. The Argentine international is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity, making him a constant threat in and around the opposition’s penalty area.
Lo Celso is primarily an attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to operate as a forward in a more advanced role. His dribbling skills, eye for a pass, and ability to find space in tight areas make him an essential player in Villarreal’s attacking third. Lo Celso is also capable of scoring goals from distance, as well as providing assists for his teammates with his precise through balls and crosses.
Having previously played in top leagues like the Premier League and Ligue 1, Lo Celso brings with him invaluable experience at the highest level. His flair and creativity make him a perfect fit for El Submarino Amarillo’s possession-based attacking style, and he is likely to be one of the most influential players in the squad as they challenge for both domestic and European honors.
6. José Ángel Esmorís Tasende (Angeliño) (Left Wing-Back/Forward)
Angeliño, born José Ángel Esmorís Tasende, is a 27-year-old Spanish wing-back with an attacking flair that adds an extra dimension to Villarreal’s offensive setup. The left-sided player joined the club in 2024 from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig after spending several seasons in Europe, particularly with Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven, and the German club. Known for his pace, dribbling, and crossing ability, Angeliño is particularly dangerous when attacking down the left flank.
Though he primarily plays as a wing-back, Angeliño’s attacking qualities often see him push higher up the pitch, acting as a wide forward in certain tactical setups. His excellent crossing and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box make him a valuable asset for Villarreal CF forwards, especially when paired with players like Gerard Moreno or Alexander Sörloth, who can capitalize on his deliveries. In addition to his offensive contributions, Angeliño is also diligent in his defensive duties, making him an all-around player who can contribute both ways.
His arrival at Villarreal brings an additional layer of attacking dynamism to the team, and his ability to stretch opposition defenses with his runs on the left side adds to the tactical options available to manager Quique Setién. Angeliño’s attacking output will be crucial for the club in their pursuit of success across all competitions.
7. Nico Jackson (Striker)
Nico Jackson, the 23-year-old forward from Senegal, is another exciting attacking option for Villarreal CF strikers crew in the 2024/25 season. Having joined the club in 2023 from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, Jackson has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most promising young players. Known for his pace, physicality, and ability to finish, Jackson provides a direct attacking threat that complements the more technical players in the squad.
Jackson is a natural goal scorer with the ability to operate both as a central striker and as a second forward. His physical strength allows him to hold off defenders, while his pace makes him a constant threat in behind opposition defenses. Jackson’s ability to score goals in various situations, whether it’s with his head, feet, or from long range, makes him a versatile forward who can adapt to different tactical setups. Although still in the early stages of his career, Jackson has shown glimpses of his potential, and his performances for Villarreal CF will be closely watched as he continues to develop. His energy, movement, and clinical finishing will be key components of the club’s attack, and he could play a significant role in the team’s success in the 2024/25 season.
Villarreal CF forwards options for the 2024/25 season are as varied as they are exciting. From the clinical finishing of Gerard Moreno to the pace and skill of Samuel Chukwueze, the Yellow Submarine has attacking firepower that can cause problems for any defense in La Liga and Europe. With players like José Luis Morales providing experience, and the raw potential of Nico Jackson and Alexander Sörloth offering a physical presence, the Yellow Submarine has an array of attacking options to complement its possession-based style of play. As the season progresses, these forwards will be crucial to the team’s aspirations for success, both domestically and in European competition.
