Features
JUE 10.03.2016
"Two weeks ago, things seemed pretty bleak in the dressing room..." captain of the Canary Island team, David Garcia, admitted just after the referee whistled time on a game in which UD Las Palmas put an end to Villarreal CF's Liga BBVA unbeaten streak of 14 games on the trot.
The visitors bagged themselves a 1-0 victory, getting one past Alphonse Areola at the El Madrigal stadium, who had kept a clean sheet on home turf since 6 December last year... "An unexpected victory," was Quique Setien's comment after the game.
Only Barça, Atletico and Athletic have taken maximum points in the last three games
It is easy to see how surmounting those two hurdles and completing a magnificent run of three winning games has served to breathe new life into Las Palmas, providing them with the necessary morale boost to head into the decisive part of the season with a degree of confidence, during which they still face the challenge of securing one of the positions to guarantee themselves a place in the world's best competition next year.
What is it, however, that has brought about this upturn in momentum for a side that have previously failed to string two victories together throughout the rest of their campaign? The answer could lie in the following…
- Adapting to a new game plan
Setien's philosophy has now struck a chord among his charges. The recently appointed coach has opted for the style of football he favoured when he was playing: focussing on the ball, building the team around possession so that they take the lead rather than rely on the counterattack, as they traditionally did under Herrera. It could be said that the Amarillos are benefitting from having learned some new tricks.
These could be the lineup Las Palmas would show against Real Madrid:
- A defined defence
Javi Varas in goal; David Garcia, Aythami Artiles, Pedro Bigas and Javi Garrido forming up the defensive line from right to left. The 'Pio-Pio' faithful reel off the names of those defending their goal, who will no doubt, based on recent results, prove instrumental in keeping their team safe for next season. Things are looking positive, the team have now gone three games without conceding a goal, something that Las Palmas have not been able to boast in Liga BBVA since 1979.
Waiting in the shadows, Mauricio Lemos: a Uruguayan defender who came in on the winter market, and has already shown his potential with some high quality performances as both a centre-back and central midfielder.
- Roque Mesa and Viera, the anchorman and the magic
Setien has the luxury of being able to rotate his charges in the midfield. Angel Montoro, Tana, Nabil El Zhar and Momo are clocking up the minutes, competing for three of the five midfield spots given that Roque Mesa and Jonathan Viera are indisputable for the Cantabrian manager. Roque is an interesting box to box specialist with great delivery and a remarkable capacity for recovering the ball; Jonathan is the spark, making the impossible possible, the force that creates the goal opportunities.
Las Palmas have made the third highest number of passes in this Liga BBVA campaign (13,867).
- Willian Jose heads up the charge
The former Zaragoza and Real Madrid Castilla striker did not begin the season as a starter but has fast-tracked his way into a regular spot in the starting line up. Jose has netted six goals in his first full Liga BBVA season, combining his goalscoring talents with the ability to link up with the midfielders and win 50-50 balls to give his team breathing space and close down the defensive spaces.
If the Brazilian continues to display his recent form, his club will be one step closer to their dream of avoiding relegation.
Keep up with all the latest at Las Palmas.
© LALIGA - 2016