Jaime Mata, the star man behind Valladolid's promotion campaign

The chant that reverberated around the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on the day that R. Valladolid CF secured their return to LaLiga Santander after a four-year absence was clear proof of Jaime Mata's crucial role in that feat. "Mata, quedate" ("Mata, stay") was sung in unison by thousands of fans throughout the second leg of the playoff final, with a LaLiga Santander berth at stake, showing how thankful the fans are to a player who spearheaded the club's promotion push.

In what was Mata's second year at Valladolid after signing from Girona FC, the Spaniard enjoyed a perfect season and was one of the stars of LaLiga 1|2|3 in 2017/18. Considering he only notched five goals in 28 outings during his first season at the club, his statistics this time around are all the more astonishing: 33 goals in 38 league games plus two more in the promotion playoffs. Such a vast improvement was certainly the differentiating factor that has seen Valladolid get back among the big boys.

The player himself has attributed his enormous development over the campaign to the confidence shown in him by the club. "You can't finish off a season in better fashion. What's happened to me this year has been unimaginable. I've improved so much because of that confidence. Hard work is the priority here at Valladolid," he stated after clinching promotion.

The 29-year-old's eye for goal, remarkable consistency and precision from the penalty spot, where eight of his 34 goals have come from, are just some of the attributes which explain why Mata has become the player to have scored the most goals in a single LaLiga 1|2|3 season in the 21st century.

There is no doubt that through his hard work, the striker has earned the right to showcase his goalscoring talent further next season, with the difference being the fact that it will be on the illustrious LaLiga Santander stage.