Features
FRI 14.11.2014
The manager from Salamanca, Julio Velázquez, was the man chosen by Real Betis to take them back to the Liga BBVA. This weekend LFP.es travels to La Romareda to witness their encounter with close rivals Real Zaragoza, in which the Andalusians will look to take another step towards fulfilling their dream. Below we take a look at Velázquez’s line-up for this match.
Antonio Adán (Goalkeeper)
Games played: 12. Saves: 32.
Since his arrival at Betis in last season's winter transfer market, the keeper from Madrid has been lord and master of the Verdiblancos' goal. He has accumulated 1,080 minutes between the sticks this season and kept a clean sheet on four occasions.
Francisco Molinero (Right Back)
Games played: 11. Minutes played: 921.
The player from Toledo, one of Betis' new signings over the summer, is one of Julio Velázquez’s trusted men. The right flank seems to have his name engraved on it and the players has completed 52 ball recoveries and has a passing success rate of 71 %.
Bruno González (Centre Back)
Games played: 6. Passes: 177.
He dazzled for CD Tenerife and was signed by the Verdiblancos to fight for promotion to the Liga BBVA. Though he was not a regular at first, Bruno has gradually become more prominent as the matchdays have progressed and he is a key man for Velázquez in central defence.
Jordi Figueras (Centre Back)
Games played: 12. Minutes played: 1,035.
Immovable in the Betis central defence, where he has started every game. He has completed 44 ball recoveries and is Betis'second most prolific passer (474), with an average of 40 per game and a success rate of 84 % in short deliveries.
Jorge Casado (Left Back)
Games played: 7. Minutes played: 589.
A product of the Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid academies, Casado arrived at the Andalusian club this summer to bolster the left side. Following Álex Martínez’s unfortunate injury, he has been Julio Velázquez’s most frequently used player in this position. The defender from Madrid has a chance to show his quality.
Foued Kadir (Winger)
Games played: 9. Goals: 1.
The Algerian is one of the most technical and destabilising players in the Verdiblanco squad. He arrived on loan from Olympique de Marseille and is showing his great qualities in the Liga Adelante. His versatility is another attribute as he can operate as a playmaker or on either wing.
Javier Matilla (Central Midfielder)
Games played: 12. Goals: 1.
One of the stalwarts of the team. An irreplaceable cog in the machinery for Julio Velázquez with 1,080 minutes played and the extraordinary figure of 77 ball recoveries in the midfield. He has completed more passes than any other player in the squad with 505. He has also shown his quality in attack, scoring a goal in his team’s 2-3 victory over CE Sabadell.
Julio Velázquez (Central Midfielder)
Games played: 10. Recoveries: 302.
With Alfred N'Diaye on international duty for Senegal for two qualifying games for the African Cup of Nations, he is the main candidate to join Matilla in the centre of the field. The Chilean international, who has played 747 minutes, returns to the matchday squad after missing the clash with FC Barcelona B through suspension.
Dani Pacheco or Álvaro Cejudo (Wingers)
Games played: 8. Minutes played: 206. / Games played: 11. Minutes played: 678.
With youngster Dani Ceballos on international duty for Spain U-19, Julio Velázquez could select Dani Pacheco or Álvaro Cejudo on the right wing, both explosive and electrifying players. The latter has enjoyed more continuity and prominence until now, and his natural position is on the right.
Vincenzo Rennella (Forward)
Games played: 11. Goals: 2.
The French-Italian striker has earned a place in Betis' starting eleven through excellent performances and his understanding with Rubén Castro. Last season he proved his great eye for goal wearing the colours of CD Lugo, scoring 13 in the Liga Adelante. He also stands out for his commitment and hard work on the field.
Rubén Castro (Forward)
Games played: 12. Goals: 10.
The forward from the Canary Islands is the heart and soul of Betis. He is their top scorer in the division with ten goals and has more shots on goal than any other footballer in the Liga Adelante (34). He is also one of the most decisive and influential players in his team. The Las Palmas-born striker has also completed three assists.
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