The Pride of Vallekas

Ugh. The "Swiss army knife" is quite a boring metaphor. Not because of the name but the reference. Usefulness and adaptability are never inspiring, but they are necessary. When they're there it's calm. When they're not it's dire. And that could not be truer in the case of Gorka Elustondo. A midfielder by trade, his natural position is protecting the defense with surprising physique and passing range. The Gipuzkoa native rose through the ranks of Real Sociedad's, and made his B-team, and Segunda B, debut at the age of 18 during the 2005-06 season. He immediately became an undisputed starter, and within a season was knocking on the doors of the first team. He would make his La Liga debut in December 2006 in a goalless away draw against Celta de Vigo. A further five appearances in his first professional season would follow, but nevertheless the Basque club met top division relegation for the first time in 40 years. But sporting disappointment isn't ...

Real Zaragoza vs Rayo Vallecano. Starting lineups. Míchel reverted to a 4-3-3 formation from three at the back that drew 1-1 against Albacete, and dropped Dorado in place for buccaneering right back Baiano. Natxo González made wholesale changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Huesca - in defense Alain Oyarzun was replaced at left back by Ángel Martínez, Mikel González was replaced at right center-back by Simone Grippo and Alberto Benito was replaced at right back by Julián Delmás. And in midfield and attack there was a complete shake-up tactically - Oliver Buff and Javi Ros was replaced by Aleix Febas and Íñigo Eguaras. This was a game that summed up both teams perfectly - defensively lacking, strong in attack and a hardworking yet technically astute midfield. Zaragoza were actually quite poor going forward, and didn't create many chances. But they took the ones they had, and the sheer versatility of their players allowed Zaragoza to change systems quickly and seal the win. ...