Paco Jémez’s eleven

With an almost completely new squad each year and on his third spell as the Rayo Vallecano boss, Paco Jémez wants his men to take the necessary step to set their sights on the top part of the table. With their attractive football that has made the club the eighth highest goalscoring team in the Liga BBVA with 14, but also as side with the second poorest defensive record with 24 goals conceded, Rayo will look to get back to winning ways against a RC Celta who they defeated 3-0 in Vallecas last season. "LFP.es, in depth" introduces you to the potential Rayo starting eleven for the clash against Vigo.

Cristian Álvarez (Goalkeeper)
Games played: 6. Will be aiming to keep a clean sheet for the first time.
Within hours of winning the Intercontinental Cup with CA San Lorenzo in August, he arrived at Rayo to take the starting spot from day one. An injury on matchday six made him miss several games to the benefit of Toño, but in the last fixture against Real Madrid he reclaimed his spot. He offers solidity in the air and performs well with the ball at his feet and in one-on-ones.

Quini (Right Back)
Games played: 5. His first year in the Liga BBVA.
The player acquired from Castilla was in the starting eleven on matchday one against Atlético Madrid. However, with the tireless Tito, he has his work cut out to become a fixture in the Rayo line-up. A right back who joins the attack, he should enjoy a good run of matches after the injury to Emiliano Insúa.

Zé Castro (Centre Back)
Games played: 9. Eight straight years in Spain.
A fixture in Jémez’s side, injuries are the only issue for a central defender who offers solidity at the Rayo rear. Reliable in the air, the Portuguese player starts many of the Vallecas side’s moves from the back.

Amaya (Centre Back)
Games played: 3. In his third spell at Rayo.
During the pre-season he suffered an injury that meant he could not play his first game in the Liga BBVA this season until matchday eight against Granada CF. He fractured a toe in his left foot in that encounter, but the centre back has kept playing and he seems to have taken over from the promising but inconsistent Abdoulaye Ba, who has played eight games.

Tito (Left Back)
Games played: 11. A permanent fixture for the last four years.
His position is right back, but in the absence of Insúa through injury, Paco Jémez usually opts to play Tito on the left, which limits his ability to join the attack. Reliable in defence.

Raúl Baena (Defensive Midfielder)
Games played: 10. 56 ball recoveries this season.
Untouchable in the midfield, though he missed the last Liga BBVA fixture against Real Madrid, Baena is the man responsible for recovering the ball for Rayo Vallecano alongside Trashorras. Working tirelessly for the 90 minutes, he is also a key man in their one-touch passing game.

Licá (Right Wing)
Games played: 8. Looking for his first goal.
The player on loan from FC Porto seems to have moved ahead in pecking order of one of the most promising signings of the summer in Vallecas: the Mexican Javier Aquino, on loan from Villarreal. Licá is very physical down the right and should have more to offer.

Gäel Kakuta (Left Wing)
Games played: 11. Has scored two goals.
This promising young French footballer arrived from Chelsea FC on loan. Kakuta, with great technique and class that has had the fans on their feet in Vallecas, is a constant danger down the flank and also spares no effort in defence.

Roberto Trashorras (Central Midfielder)
Games played: 11. 840 passes and 72 ball recoveries.
The captain. The Rayo engine. The talented midfielder is involved in almost every attacking move by the Madrid side. He is a key man in all their set pieces thanks to his great touch. Essential to Jeméz despite his 33 years.

Alberto Bueno (Attacking Midfielder)
Games played: 10.
Only an injury on matchday nine made him miss the single game that he has not played in this season, making him another fixture in Paco Jémez’s side. A team player and very mobile, Bueno has scored five goals this campaign, and last season he was Rayo’s second highest goalscorer with eleven.

Léo Baptistão (Forward)
Games played: 10. Has scored three braces this season.
After a campaign with Atlético, the Brazilian has returned on loan. He is also an undisputed starter and a very dangerous player in attack thanks to his stride, plus he is a danger in the air. He is the Vallecas side’s joint top scorer with six goals.