Features
VIE 12.06.2015
Ninety minutes to play and everything to be decided in the return meeting of the first round of the promotion play-offs to Liga BBVA which sees UD Las Palmas and R. Valladolid CF go head-to-head on Saturday.
Both sides want to remain in the fight to be the third team that will accompany Real Betis and R. Sporting to Liga BBVA, so with emotions running high and much to play for both the Canarians and the Vallisoletanos will try to get the most from their biggest weapons. Therefore, the strength in midfield will be one of the keys, meaning Javi Castellano and André Leão will have big role to play in the return leg.
For the hosts, Castellano is one of the natural leaders of the team. Brought through the academy, the midfielder returned home to UD Las Palmas after spells with a number of teams. He ended up back there in the 2011-12 season and hasn’t moved since with his leadership becoming unquestionable. He is the player who has played most minutes for his side in the current season with a total of 40 games and more than 3,600 minutes.
|
Stats/players |
Javi Castellano (Spain) |
André Leão (Portugal) |
|
Total matches |
40 |
36 |
|
Matches started |
40 |
34 |
|
Total Minutes |
3600 |
3014 |
|
Goals |
0 |
0 |
|
Total shots |
6 |
18 |
|
Shots on target |
2 (33%) |
3 (16%) |
|
Total dribbles |
22 |
10 |
|
Total successful dribbles |
14 (63%) |
6 (60%) |
|
Total passes |
1763 |
1503 |
|
Total completed passes |
1500 (85%) |
1211 (80%) |
|
Pases en largo |
102/156 (65%) |
125/213 (57%) |
|
Pases en corto |
1398/1607 (87%) |
1086/1290(84)%) |
|
Asistencias |
4 |
3 |
|
Recuperaciones de balón |
189 |
137 |
André Leão plays the same position for the opposing side, Valladolid, although his story is different. The Portuguese, who began his football career between Portugal and Romania, arrived at Valladolid this season where he has become a key man. He has played a total of 36 matches and more than 3,014 minutes, figures which make him the fifth most used Valladolid player this season.
Therefore, both midfielders are leaders in midfield for their sides. Their passing ability is also important with both men key to the build-up play for both sides. Casellano is also the player in his side with most passes, a total of 1,763 this season, whilst Leão with 1.503 is the fifth highest Vallisoletano when it comes to completed passes. Defensively, they both have an important role too with 189 and 137 ball recoveries respectively adding security with their defensive duties.
They are without doubt two different players. They don’t score goals, nor have a presence in attack, but, with their solidity, their performance could make the difference when it comes to finding out which team will play to go up to Liga BBVA.
© LALIGA - 2015