The academy side, with 28 points, are the pace setters in their league
Villarreal CF’s Alevín C team is fully immersed in their league campaign and, at the same time, at a crucial moment in their development. The team, which is standing out notably in Group 2 of the U12s league in the province of Castellón, is finishing its 8-a-side football stage this year. So, with the aim of making the leap to 11-a-side football, the players under the orders of Ángel Sanz and Manuel Aguilera give their all in every training session and in every match.
Currently, the Yellows are in an outstanding position in the standings, occupying first place with 28 points after nine wins, one draw and only one defeat. Likewise, they have proven to be a strong team in attack, with 61 goals scored (5.55 goals per game) and, at the same time, solid in defence, as they are the third lowest-scoring team in their group (21 goals conceded).
One of their coaches, Ángel Sanz, highlights the importance of the working methodology followed at the club and how the players have evolved: “On the one hand, one of the keys is the individualised work that is done with the boys, uniting everything into a collective. And, logically, it is also the fact of taking care of the small details in the training aspects. These things are what make the player improve and evolve, being able to compete well in matches.”
Ángel also stresses which aspects are the most important for the development of future promises in this category: “Each stage has certain aspects that need to be strengthened and improved. At the moment, we are focusing on aspects of four-on-four or five-on-five situations, for example.” He adds: “It’s important that the kids understand that the more and better they train, the better results they will get. So the path is the same from day one: train and learn.”
Now, with ten games to go, the team has its sights set on completing a successful season that will allow them to make the leap to 11-a-side football with a solid training base. ‘’11-a-side football has its differences compared to eight-a-side football, such as the issue of space or the numerical difference in the players, but the fundamental aspects of training remain the same. We focus on the small details, on improving day by day. This is the only way to ensure continuous evolution and to achieve the results we are getting. In the end, the micro aspects are going to serve them both now and in the future,” adds Ángel.
Maxi López, a reference point for the stars of the future
Another important feature of the Alevín C team is that the young players have the support of Maxi López, a U19s (Juvenil A) player, who has been integrated into the coaching staff. The young midfielder, who joined Villarreal CF in the 2021/22 season, shares his experience with the players, especially in tactical aspects.
Ángel greatly values Maxi’s contribution: “It’s a privilege to have him with us, because he’s very involved and has a lot of desire. He is also an active player, which allows the boys to have a reference point. All the corrections or contributions that he can make as a player are very useful for the boys, especially in specific positions like his. He is a reference for them.”
Maxi, for his part, is enthusiastic about being able to contribute to the growth of the youngsters. “I try to transmit to the children values such as team spirit, competitiveness and, above all, that they enjoy themselves. Above all, at this age they have to enjoy themselves.”
