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Javi Guerra’s Form Mirrors Struggles Under Previous Valencia Manager
Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra is experiencing a dip in form reminiscent of his final months under former coach Rubén Baraja, raising questions about his consistent role in the team. While frequently a starter,his impact has diminished,mirroring a pattern seen previously.
During the last 17 League games with Baraja at the helm, Guerra was more frequently enough in the starting lineup than on the bench – a situation echoing his current status, tho he is far from an automatic selection. He started 11 times, was a substitute in 5, spent one game on the bench entirely, adn completed a full 90 minutes only twice.
His role underwent a significant shift with the arrival of Carlos Corberán last season, where he became a mainstay in the starting eleven, featuring in 20 of 21 League games under the new coach. in those matches, he played the full 90 minutes 12 times, was substituted 8 times (never before the 68th minute), and missed only one game due to suspension. However, that prominent role, and the performance that accompanied it, has demonstrably waned.
This season, Guerra has participated in all games but has started in 8 of 11. Only one match, against Athletic, saw him play the entire duration. He was substituted in the 55th and 61st minutes against Oviedo and Villarreal, respectively. The three games where he was an alternate occurred at home: against Espanyol, Girona, and Real Madrid, entering the latter in the 86th minute with the score already 4-0.
Corberán explained his late substitution in the Bernabéu, stating, “I understood that with a starting line of four we need another profile in the center of the field (Santamaria-Pepelu). I expected to hold up better, but it didn’t. I wish there was could I get it out earlier but I needed to readjust the system first with a center back, a winger and a striker with Duro (5-4-1).” The coach further emphasized the need for collective improvement, saying, “That we are all at our best level is without a doubt the way in which we are going to move forward with the situation.”
Guerra’s performance data saw substantial improvement after Corberán took charge, establishing a strong partnership with enzo Barrenechea in midfield. With Corberán, he improved in nearly all statistical categories compared to his time under Baraja. However, recent data reveals a concerning trend over the last 11 League days.
Currently, Guerra attempts fewer passes per 90 minutes (38.5 compared to 40.13 last season with Corberán), has a lower pass success percentage (79% versus 81%), recovers fewer balls in the opponent’s half (1.75 compared to 2.63), wins fewer duels (5.25 compared to 7.21), makes fewer dribbles (0.54 compared to 1.22), and completes fewer progressive passes (3.1 compared to 4.58). The only area where he has shown improvement is in assists (0.26 compared to 0.1).
This dip in Guerra’s performance aligns with the team’s overall struggles. Adding to the scrutiny, the midfielder reportedly faced criticism following his substitution during the derby against villarreal, a situation that did not go unnoticed by those around him, particularly his late appearance against Real Madrid.
Corberán addressed any perception of singling out Guerra with substitutions, stating, “I am surprised when they tell me that I signal with the changes. Any player who starts the game has the possibility of being substituted,anyone who is on the bench can come in. I give as much importance to some as to others.” This came after a summer where Guerra’s contract renewal was a prominent topic in the media.
