Los Ché's left-hand side

One of the most-common sights in football is a right-footer, however at the Estadio de Mestalla they are breaking the trend; the left-hand side of the pitch is as strong as it ever been.

One of the main reasons for this is José Luis Gayà, the youngster from Pedreguer (Alicante), who has added himself to the growing list of players who surprise in Liga BBVA and wow football lovers around the globe. The Valencia left back, despite relatively few games, has shown that the left-hand side of Los Ché is in rude health.

Aged just 19, he is a fixture in Nuno Espírito Santo's XI, having played 17 times in Liga BBVA this season, 15 of those from the off. He started the season with the unenviable task of replacing fellow academy graduate Juan Bernat, but has passed with flying colours. Alongside is new signing Lucas Orban, who helps bring a sense of calm to both the side and the fans. Also, when he plays with Gayà, he helps the youngster release the defensive shackles and become a winger on a one-way path to the opposition's box.

Playing at left back for Valencia brings great responsibility. Gayà and Bernat were the heirs to Jordi Alba, who also came through the Paterna academy, which continues to churn out top-quality left-side full backs.

A look back
During Valencia's golden-era, Amedeo Carboni was a regular in the position. He signed having just turned 30, however won the hearts of fans, playing 244 times for the club and to this day remains a favourite. In another era, Guillermo Gorostiza was a left back who played alongside legends such as Epi, Amadeo, Mundo and Asensi. In addition to these names, left-footers such as Mario Alberto Kempes, Lubo Penev, Claudio Javier 'Piojo' López, David Silva and Juan Mata will never be forgotten at Mestalla.

Youngsters such as Salva Ruiz, Toni Latorre 'Lato' and Jacob López, winner of the U-12 La Liga Promises tournament, are all set to have bright futures. They will be dreaming of recreating what Gayà is experiencing right now as he wows and delights both the Valencia fans and admirers of football all around the world with his performances up and down the club’s left-hand side.