The Pride of Vallekas

I remember doing a Silly Season accumulator series on this blog and it ended up being a long, long list of rumors that made no sense when put together. So, instead, given that I promised more Rayo coverage on this blog, here is the latest news: According to multiple sources Rayo's priorities are a deep-lying midfielder ( pivote ) and a winger. Rayo have been repeatedly linked with Getafe's out-of-favor midfielder Mehdi Lacen. However, Markel Bergara's injury has given Mehdi game time, so the operation may be difficult. Francisco Cerro was signed this summer, but has since reportedly declined an offer from Lorca. Cerro would prefer to try to continue fighting for minutes in the Rayo. Coke Andújar, former Rayo youth product, was linked with Rayo, but has instead joined Levante in La Liga. San Fernando's 20-year-old striker Chris Ramos was linked with Rayo, but has joined Real Valladolid instead. Former Rayo player Emiliano Armenteros is out-of-favor at Sant...

In Rayo's attack, a dizzying array of white and red, it is typically the player who plays "in the hole" who ends up scoring most of the goals, often playing as a deep striker. In modern times, Emiliano Armenteros will be credited as the first to perform admirably well at this role. His 20 goals in the 2010-11 season proved critical to Rayo's promotion to La Liga. The next season, it was Michu (15 goals). The season after, it was Piti (18) and for another two seasons it was Alberto Bueno (11 and then 17).  And while And while Michu, Piti and Bueno were already Segunda caliber players, immediately making an impact on La Liga outfit (Rayo), it was Emilio's story that really stood out. Emilio Armenteros, after having played as a starter from ages 19 to 21 at Independiente, was signed by Sevilla but largely played for the reserves. At 23, in 2009, Armenteros moved to Xerez on loan but only played 1560 minutes as the Andalucians were relegated. He would then ...