David Villa Bio Send To Friend  

When David Villa first exiled Real Madrid legend Raul to claim Spain's number seven shirt, it sparked an intense national debate amongst fans and pundits alike. Five years on from his debut, and with Villa one of the most feared strikers on the international scene, that debate is obsolete. Villa was the top scorer at Euro 2008 and, along with Fernando Torres, is one half of a fearsome partnership that is helping him to rapidly close in on Raul's record tally of 44 goals for the national side.

But despite his obvious qualities, Villa has never played for one of football's elite clubs. After prolific spells with Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza, he joined Valencia in 2005 and has since shown great loyalty to the club despite some well-publicised financial problems. Prior to this season, he had scored 87 goals in 134 Primera Liga ties for Los Che, with only Samuel Eto'o outscoring him between 2004 and 2009. A move to big-spending Real Madrid did not materialise in the summer of 2009 and he started the new season in typically blistering form.

Both a great goalscorer and a scorer of great goals, Villa is a versatile player who can perform out wide, in behind the forwards or as a lone striker. A goal in a friendly against England in February 2009 saw him set a new record by becoming the first Spanish player to score in six successive games for the national side and it will surely not be too long before his name supplants Raul's in the most prestigious list of all.

Strengths: Villa is a consummate finisher. His clever movement, excellent touch and deadly aim allow him to exploit any chances granted to this most resolute and determined of characters, but he also selflessly contributes with a number of assists.

Weaknesses: Like many of his international team-mates, Villa lacks height and real physical presence.

Career high: Finishing Spain's victorious Euro 2008 campaign as the tournament's top scorer with four goals.

Career low: Missing the final due to a hamstring injury as Torres scored the goal that ended Spain's 44-year wait for an international trophy.

Style: Deadly, elusive, explosive, a born goalscorer.

Quotes: "David is an amazing player - he has mobility, he scores goals and is brave. I would love to have him in my team at Arsenal. He'd be amazing in the English league." Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas, June 2008.

Trivia: Villa is a natural right-footer but a childhood accident which left his best leg in a cast allowed his father to encourage the young Villa to work on his left, meaning he is now virtually both-footed.

Soccernet says: Villa is a real contender for the Golden Boot award and with history to be made, expect him to shine in a Spain side that will provide him with no end of chances.