Note: As this page gets pushed down by future posts, you can find it in the banner as “2010-11 Season Preview.”

Cross-posted on our new partner site Spanishfootball.info. There you will find information on La Liga teams other than Real Madrid and Barcelona. Welcome, new readers!

What happened last year?

In a sentence: Ernesto Valverde, Nilmar, the economic downturn, Juan Carlos Garrido, 7th place in La Liga.

Manuel Pellegrini’s replacement was Ernesto Valverde, who came off a Greek league and cup double with Olympiakos and reached the UEFA Cup final with Espanyol, in addition to a long playing career at Athletic Bilbao. But things went awry from the start: no wins and just 3 points in the opening 7 rounds, including a loss to cellar-dwellers Xerez. Management remained defiant, but the best squad in Villarreal history never gelled. Valverde was fired after a lifeless 0-2 home loss to Osasuna at the end of January.

Honorato da Silva Nilmar was the most expensive signing in Villarreal history, coming over from Brazil’s Internacional for a reported €11 million. It took him a few games to get going, but his class and smile always shone through. A club-leading 11 goals in 33 appearances was a solid debut campaign, but much more is expected of the canarinha.

The economic downturn hit small-town Villarreal CF hard. Sebastián Eguren, Fabricio Fuentes, and Jony Pereira left in the winter transfer window, presaging a further player exodus, and attendance at El Madrigal, sponsorship, and owner Fernando Roig’s ceramics business all suffered. As a goodwill gesture, Roig opened the gates for free to all recently laid-off season ticketholders (and has extended the offer for 2010-11). Most recently, the club has learned that it may need to replace longtime sponsor Aeroport Castelló.

Juan Carlos Garrido replaced Valverde as manager on the heels of Villarreal B’s flying start to life in the Segunda. Critics questioned if Garrido could shake a veteran squad out of its doldrums; despite a few bumps along the way, particularly the club’s away form, Villarreal finished with 56 points, good for 7th place in La Liga. Not a bad result, which earned Garrido the right to select his squad in 2010-11.

What changes have been made- management, players, etc.?

In addition to the search for a new sponsor, B team caretaker Paco Herrera left for Celta de Vigo, so former Cádiz boss Javi Gracia returns to his old playing grounds as manager.

Players In: Carlos Marchena (from Valencia), Borja Valero (West Bromwich Albion). Quality over quantity. Marchena provides steel and experience, and another world champion in the dressing room could not hurt. On loan for 2010-11, Borja Valero was last season’s revelation in La Liga with Mallorca. A €6 million fee is not a bad price, and stealing him from under Sevilla’s nose is sweet. Borja is a Real Madrid youth team product and wanted to stay in Spain after his loan spell. A long-term fill-in for Marcos Senna, expect Borja to play in central midfield with Bruno Soriano for years.

Players Out: Sebastián Eguren (to Sporting de Gijón), Damián Escudero (50% of rights to Boca Juniors), Diego Godín (50% of rights to Atlético Madrid), Ariel Ibagaza (Olympiakos), Joseba Llorente (Real Sociedad), Iván Marcano (on loan to Getafe), Robert Pirès, Javi Venta. The common thread, excluding misfits Escudero and Marcano and cash cow Godín? Older players with high wages who don’t fit into Garrido’s new system. Makes Sr. Roig’s pocketbook happy, but the squad’s youth may be exposed.

Who could break through and make a name for himself?

Safe bets: Jefferson Montero, Mateo Musacchio. A dynamic Ecuadorean striker/winger, Montero has debuted in the Europa League but not in La Liga due to the foreign player limit (a maximum of 3 per team who lack a European passport). With the Argentine Escudero’s departure, Montero is set to unleash his pace and technical ability on Spanish football. Expect some highlight-reel goals and many drawn yellow cards. And Argentine central defender Musacchio will spend his first full year with the A team, but his performances to close out last season made him known to supporters.

Wild card: Cristóbal. The oldest of the 9 promoted from the B team, Cristóbal provides cover at winger, perhaps the team’s shallowest position. A constant threat in the Segunda, Cristóbal could provide a spark with a few assists (in Escudero’s absence) and a stern challenge to Cani’s starting spot. A very important season in his career.

What are realistic expectations for the season?

A top-six finish in La Liga, a serious run at the Copa del Rey, and the Europa League quarterfinals. What do you think the club’s goals should be?

Part 3/4 in our player personnel series. Previously featured were the goalkeepers and midfielders. I’m labeling Fuster as a striker and Montero a midfielder based on the preseason, but that designation is subject to change.

Likely starters:

Giuseppe Rossi: Il Bambino has achieved a lot at the tender age of 23. The object of many American fans’ ire (not mine), he was left out of the Italian World Cup squad due to a Serie A-only selection policy. Silly, but it’s just a blip on the radar. With 13, 15, and 17 goals in his 3 seasons at Villarreal, Rossi will shoot for 20 in 2010-11. A versatile player with the ability to both run at defenders and play with his back to them.

Nilmar: A disappointing World Cup (for player and country) did not tarnish a successful return to European football. The canarinha led Villarreal with 11 goals in La Liga, though he scored just once in 11 appearances in the Copa del Rey and Europa League. A slow start was not surprising, considering the acclimatization period; Nilmar really took off as a winger in the 4-3-3. He paired well up front with Rossi, but the other strikers may not be a natural fit.

Likely bench players:

David Fuster: He was a revelation in 2009, not to mention that he ruined Barcelona’s perfect season at home. But with Valverde’s departure and the shift to a 4-3-3, his playing time diminished. He slots in well as a support striker behind Rossi, but no other role has worked. I’d like to see a diamond midfield formation with Fuster behind Rossi and Nilmar, but the local boy from Oliva has only featured as a striker in the preseason. A big season for his future.

Jozy Altidore: Will he stay? If so, how much will he play? Anywhere from a starter in the Copa del Rey and Europa League to a spot in Garrido’s doghouse is possible. I think he and Nilmar could work well, but that partnership will take time to develop. Talent and skill, yes. But is he committed to making things work in Villarreal? Time will tell. If not, he might be off to Turkey, Holland, or England in the winter transfer window.

Marco Ruben: The Argentine was too good for the Segunda, scoring 17 times in 31 appearances. This eye-popping success made him the object of EPL side Wigan Athletic’s desire, but a deal fell through at the last minute. At age 23, it’s time for Ruben to get a real shot with Villarreal. A poacher who relies on positioning and timing, he seems perfect as a late-game substitute (forward to 3:45). He is in line for a bigger role if Nilmar or Rossi leaves after this season.

It’s not Jozy Altidore’s first goal in a Villarreal uniform:

But his goal yesterday against Besiktas led to a Villarreal win (forward to 5:05):

And it asks Sr. Roig and Juan Carlos Garrido a very important question: what is Jozy’s future with Villarreal CF? El Periódico Mediterráneo rightfully highlighted Jefferson Montero, but the club site noted that Jozy was “very active in the game’s final minutes.” The game swung when Jozy came on for David Fuster in the 55th minute.

The contrasts are clear: Marco Ruben and David Fuster lack his strength, and Nilmar cannot match his pace. Jozy would fill Llorente’s void, though Rossi will generally feature at center forward. But should Villarreal stunt his long-term development with spotty playing time at age 20? Not to mention his transfer value after South Africa.

Altidore looks to be motivated, fit, and battle-tested after the EPL and World Cup. His technical ability and attitude must improve, but with his raw talent, the sky’s the limit. Another loan deal makes sense, waiting for Rossi or Nilmar to leave next summer, but an option to buy may push him out the door for good. Montero at winger means that David Fuster is Jozy’s competition for the fourth striker position. So I’m hoping for a Fuster loan deal (Levante? Hércules?) or for Garrido to carry 5 forwards.

If Jozy stays, he will begin as a change of pace substitute. However, if he cannot crack this season’s roster, both sides may wish to part. The club should recoup most (if not all) of his $10 million transfer fee, and Altidore needs to grow before Brazil 2014. Logic says that he should stay, but money and squad size disagree. What do you think?

Winners from yesterday:

• Jozy Altidore. Has a role as a true center forward. Poacher’s goal.
• Rubén Cani. A goal, an assist, and lots of fouls received. Doing his job.
• Jefferson Montero. Explosive. Brilliant assist, laying Cani’s volley on a platter.

Losers:

• David Fuster. Creates? Yes. Finishes? No. Has a role on the team? Maybe.
• Carlos Marchena. 10% out of form. Just a post-South Africa layoff? I think so.
• Nilmar. Also a bit off. May need Rossi to be comfortable.

Friday’s matches were fantastic. Saturday’s were good, but in a more understated way. A recap of the 1/4 finals:

Netherlands 2-1 Brazil: The shock heard round the world. I thought Brazil played the most sublime opening 45 minutes in this year’s World Cup. If not for a wonderful save by Villarreal target Martin Stekelenburg on Kaka, the Orange Machine’s comeback would not have been possible. But Julio Cesar made a grievous mistake early in the 2nd half, and the match unbelievably was level. Holland then was in the ascendancy and deservedly took the lead on two headers in the box. A Felipe Melo red card and no super-sub later (anyone else think of Ronaldinho?), and the favorites were out. The best team never to win a World Cup moves on– to the drumbeat of destiny?

Uruguay 1-1 Ghana (4-2 PK): If Holland is the best team never to win it all, Uruguay is the worst to have won (no offense). But Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have led the Charruas back to the 1/2 finals for the first time in a half-century. Sulley Muntari, given a chance to start, fired a rocket that tricked Muslera to give the Africans a lead on the stroke of halftime. Unsurprisingly, a sublime Forlan free kick tied the score and led to the final drama. They are calling it a controversy here in America, but as otf noted, Ghana should have to earn it rather than being awarded a goal. Gyan hit the bar, then courageously buried his chance in penalties, but two Muslera saves and an Abreu penalty a la Panenka later, and the Charruas are in the last 4.

Argentina 0-4 Germany: Cue the Maradona vitriol. I thought the Maradona experiment would fail, and finally Argentina met its match. Nigeria, South Korea, Greece, and Mexico was a comfortable road to the 1/4 finals, but Die Mannschaft exposed Argentina’s 4 center backs as slow, out of position, and lacking width. Wingers Maxi Rodriguez and Angel di Maria refused to track back, turning the scoreline into a bloodbath. Wait another 4 years to see the best of Lionel Messi on the international stage.

Paraguay 0-1 Spain: Jose Luis Chilavert was right about Guatemalan referee Carlos Batres, but the two missed penalties canceled each other out. The better team won, barely. David Villa is a menace; Fernando Torres, not so much. La Furia Roja better settle on its best XI before Germany comes calling on Wednesday. This game cried out for Santi Cazorla and Salvador Cabanas; alas for Paraguay, its loss was more acute. Unfortunate result for the Guaranies, who should have tied it late but for Saint Iker.

Villarreal watch: 2 winners and 1 loser this round. Diego Godin advanced without featuring in his side’s thrilling win in penalties; he may be available against the Netherlands on Tuesday. Joan Capdevila played 90 minutes in his side’s workmanlike victory and sent in a few dangerous crosses, though the Spanish attack goes through the opposite flank. Nilmar entered as a late sub with Brazil trailing and down to 10 men; he barely touched the ball. No goals in 4 appearances did little to help his transfer stock.

Ghana’s win looks even more impressive now, as The Black Stars are the only group runner-up left in the tournament. Does Group D now posthumously earn the title of Group of Death? Recaps from the past 2 matchdays:

Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia: The Orange Machine marches on, albeit without impressing. Slovakia had a number of great chances to draw level before Wesley Sneijder put the game out of reach late. A consolation penalty converted at the death by Robert Vittek was not enough, but the Slovaks are a team on the rise.

Brazil 3-0 Chile: The scoreline is highly misleading. Chile outplayed the selecao for nearly 35 minutes, passing and running around an older, more experienced version of itself. Then the efficient Brazil under Dunga took over: Juan headed in a corner, then Luis Fabiano finished off a wonderful team move, and Chile was 2 goals down. And a great run by Ramires led to Brazil’s third. Fun match to watch, at least for a half.

Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 PK): Heartbreak for the Samurai. I thought the Japanese keeper was poor in the PKs; tough for Komano to have the only miss, and off the bar to boot. Keisuke Honda again showed his class. First time for Paraguay in the quarterfinals, congratulations. Fun to have colorful former goalie Jose Luis Chilavert as a commentator for the Albirroja’s games on Univision.

Spain 1-0 Portugal: How do you control Cristiano Ronaldo? With 61% possession. A David Villa strike was the difference, but Portugal were outclassed and once again disappoint at a major tournament. While the Navegadores only conceded once in 4 matches, they only scored against lowly North Korea (albeit 7 times). No big loss.

Villarreal watch: Nilmar came on for Luis Fabiano after Brazil had finished off Chile. No goals yet, but maybe he will be a super-sub at some point. Joan Capdevila played all 90 minutes in Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal. Two rounds away from a clash in the final, but not if a hopefully healthy Diego Godin has his way.

Two matchdays to catch up on quickly. Teams advancing to the last 16 in bold.

Slovakia 3-2 Italy; Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand: The holders are out (Giuseppe Rossi is secretly pleased), and sadly so are the Kiwis. Fantastic return to the World Cup by the All Whites. Paraguay was the class of this group and proved it, barely.

Denmark 1-3 Japan; Cameroon 1-2 Netherlands: Holland continues its recent dominant form, albeit in a very weak group. Keisuke Honda is the only reason Japan is in the last 16, while Cameroon is the early choice for most disappointing team. Only North Korea joined them on 0 points.

Portugal 0-0 Brazil; North Korea 0-3 Cote d’Ivoire: Not much football in either match, though Nilmar did hit the post and played all 90 minutes. This group’s finish sets up a pair of mouth-watering last 16 ties.

Chile 1-2 Spain; Switzerland 0-0 Honduras: After being knocked out of Germany 2006 without conceding a goal, the Swiss do the same in South Africa when playing with 11 men. Better than scoring against Honduras and missing out with 6 points, I guess. The ending of Chile-Spain was anti-football at its finest.

Now the real tournament begins. 2 matches on this Saturday:

Uruguay 2-1 South Korea: All 5 South American teams have qualified for the knockout rounds, a first. Uruguay must like its draw to the “medal round,” though Diego Godin insists his side has achieved nothing yet. Godin again may miss out due to a knock, but look for Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez to fire the Charruas through.

USA 1-2 Ghana (a.e.t.): Full disclosure– I live in the USA and have been a national team supporter for years. I wasn’t sure how far this side could make it without Charlie Davies and with an injured Oguchi Onyewu, but look at the draw. Brazil or Holland in the semifinals, sure, but Ghana and then Uruguay or South Korea isn’t so imposing. Of course, every side in this quadrant is telling itself the same thing.

Ghana now is a solid defensive side, a facet it lacked when it beat the USA in Germany 2006. But without Appiah and Essien, goals have been much harder to come by– only 1 from the run of play in the group stage. Africa will be behind its last hope, but if the USA plays up to its potential, I think this country will be soccer-crazed for another week.

Villarreal news: The teams of Altidore, Capdevila, Godin, and Nilmar all have advanced to the last 16. Still looking for the club’s first World Cup goal. And the club has arranged a friendly in London against Tottenham in late July.

On the tenth day, I rested. But I didn’t miss the matches. Quick recaps:

Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay: Paraguay was in control from start to finish. An impressive showing by a team that should top its group.

Italy 1-1 New Zealand: Another shock by the Kiwis. In the worst officiated match so far (and that’s saying something), Italy converted a dubious penalty and was fouled 25 times to New Zealand’s 11. Shots were 23-3 to the Azzurri, but all 3 nearly beat backup Federico Marchetti (otf broke a lamp on a near-miss). Still all to play for in Group F.

Brazil 3-1 Cote d’Ivoire: This match was closer than the final score, but the selecao definitely displayed the jogo bonito. Lille’s Gervinho was a sparkplug for the Elephants; too bad he only came on at 2:0.

Villarreal watch: Nilmar did not play in Brazil’s 3-1 win, but with Kaka’s red card and the resulting one-match suspension, he should get a chance against Portugal on Friday.

And some highlights from Villarreal B 1-2 Salamanca:

Ssome Villarreal news: According to the always-reliable (that should be obvious sarcasm…) tribalfootball.com, Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar have “agreed to stay” with Villarreal for another year. Now, obviously that would be great (assuming we could afford their salaries), but I have no idea how it just so happened that they have both decided this, and it just so happens to be reported in one “article”, considering the fact that Giuseppe is enjoying a summer off, and Nilmar is a bit busy down in South Africa. Nevertheless, I would be remiss not to at least mention it.

As for former Villarreal players, in a shocking move, Juan Roman Riquelme is apparently going to sign for West Ham United. Talk about news that makes basically no sense. Riquelme, one of the neediest and choosiest players you will ever meet, hates to be away from his family, and has never shown any real desire to play in England that I know of, seems an odd fit for the Hammers. But hey, who knows, maybe it could work for him.

Villarreal watch: Nilmar made a 12-minute cameo in the selecao’s 2-1 win over North Korea. Kaka (whom he replaced), Luis Fabiano, and Robinho were Dunga’s preferred triumvirate up front.

As for the World Cup: Tomorrow should be a sparkling day in South Africa, with some teams sporting offensive firepower getting started. It is also the beginning of the second round of the Group Stage.

Back to teams I care about. 3 matches again today:

New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia: I’ve been impressed by both squads in recent matches. Slovakia is making its first appearance at the World Cup since independence in 1993 and boasts a strong attack led by Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik. New Zealand were overmatched at the Confederations Cup, but striker Shane Smeltz can score in bunches.

Cote d’Ivoire 0-0 Portugal: Match of the day and maybe of the group stage. A decisive result in the Group of Death probably books a spot in the last 16. All eyes will be on Drogba’s arm and Ronaldo’s pouting, I mean talent. I’ve got no clue how this match will play out.

Brazil 2-1 North Korea: On paper, one of the biggest mismatches in World Cup history. Can the North Koreans stay disciplined and keep it competitive? I don’t think so. Let’s hope Nilmar can get off the mark quickly.

1-4 is a bit misleading: Nilmar squandered two golden opportunities before Messi opened the scoring, and these highlights did not show another Valdes error that we failed to convert on. Bad luck on Barca’s first goal, as Godin made a great block but the ball ricocheted past Diego Lopez. Some questions about Diego Lopez’s positioning on Xavi’s free kick, though, along with horrific defending by Gonzalo on Bojan’s tally.

Wonder if Llorente had a knock, as Garrido spoke of playing the same formation in both halves (before Joseba entered as a substitute). But no harm done in the standings: Getafe drew and Athletic lost. So we remain in 6th place with 3 rounds to go.

Wonderful win for the B team against a promotion candidate. Elche fought back after going two goals and a man down, but Jefferson Montero immediately scored his brace to seal the result. For that, he got a slap in the face from an Elche player. Stay classy.

Some news and notes:

• Llorente predicted Athletic would beat Mallorca. Good thing he was wrong.
• And now we find out that Llorente, not Busquets, received a yellow card late in Saturday’s match. Initially it seemed that Busquets received a second yellow and then was substituted off. Maletines, anyone? But we would have lost anyhow.
• Capdevila will miss Tuesday’s game in Almeria due to his 5th yellow card of the season. 6 other players (Cani, Gonzalo, Ibagaza, Javi Venta, Marcano, and Pires) are one yellow away from suspension.
• From the club website: recaps of the Barcelona and Elche matches.