Surprise at Mestalla! Pepelu, the converted midfielder who stands as Valencia's new defensive wall

Carlos Corberán finds in his midfielder the unexpected solution to the center-back crisis, with the one from Dénia shining against Atlético de Madrid.

Valencia coach Carlos Corberán is at a defensive crossroads that, paradoxically, has revealed one of the hidden gems of his squad. The shortage of available center backs has forced a conversion that no one expected: José Luis García Vayá, known to everyone as Pepelu, has gone from being the lighthouse in the center of the field to becoming a solid bulwark at the back. His performance in the last two games has been so outstanding that his presence in defense, even against the demanding Atlético de Madrid, seems more than probable.

Pepelu's metamorphosis has not been a whim of fate, but a response to the team's urgent need. The arrival of Guido Rodríguez to the midfield had taken away the prominence of the Dénia player in his natural position. However, the injuries of Unai Núñez and Eray Cömert opened an unexpected door. Against Mallorca, Pepelu made his debut as a starting centre-back, a position he repeated successfully against Girona.

Although Núñez and Cömert have already overcome their ailments and are ready to compete, Corberán's confidence in his improvised defender is palpable. The training session prior to the clash against Atlético de Madrid has seen Pepelu share a center back pairing with César Tárrega, consolidating his role. Corberán's strategy seems clear: Cömert, still recovering from his injury, could have a more limited role, while Unai Núñez could be relocated to the right back to give rest to Renzo Saravia, who has been carrying the weight of that wing.

In the press conference prior to the match, Carlos Corberán did not spare his praise for his pupil. “He has taken a step forward in a time of difficulty,” declared the coach, highlighting Pepelu's ability to adapt. “He has adapted to that position of playing as a center back, providing resources to get the ball out, solving situations typical of defenders very well. He has the compatibility to play there. That is positive,” he added.

Corberán's satisfaction is evident. “We are happy with what he has been doing. If he plays, we always expect his best version. It is good to have alternatives and players who can play in any position,” he said. The coach has emphasized on numerous occasions the “personality and courage” that Pepelu demonstrates, both in the midfield and now in defense.

Corberán's words are not a flash in the pan. Even Stole Dimitrievski, the Macedonian international goalkeeper, has joined in the praise of his teammate. “He has been incredible in both games. He practically eliminated Muriqi without giving him any options,” he stated emphatically, underlining Pepelu's effectiveness in defensive tasks.

The goalkeeper did not stop there and remembered the intrinsic quality of the player. “We already know the player Pepelu is, there's a reason he went to the national team and he has so much quality. I've also seen him quickly running backwards, he was top,” he concluded in an interview given to the club's official media. The admiration is mutual, and Valencia seems to have found a new defensive pillar in adversity.

Pepelu's versatility is an invaluable asset for Valencia this season. His tactical intelligence, his ability to read the game and his unwavering commitment make him a fundamental piece, regardless of the position he occupies on the pitch. The Valencian fans, always faithful and passionate, will undoubtedly applaud this demonstration of dedication and professionalism from one of their footballers.

The match against Atlético de Madrid is presented as a litmus test for this new defensive configuration. The solidity shown so far by Pepelu, however, invites optimism. Corberán's ability to reinvent his players and their response to challenges are a reflection of the grit and fighting spirit that characterize Valencia.

This unexpected turn in Pepelu's career not only benefits the team in the present, but also opens new perspectives for the future. The versatility of a player of his caliber is a treasure for any coach, and Corberán has known how to exploit this quality at the most opportune moment. The season is far from over, and with players like Pepelu, Valencia has plenty of arguments to face whatever comes.

Pepelu's story in the Valencia defense is a reminder that football, at its core, rewards adaptability and dedication. A midfielder who becomes a defender, and who does it masterfully, is one of those narratives that ignite the passion of fans and show that, sometimes, the most unexpected solutions are the most effective.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pepelu's reconversion

Why is Pepelu playing center back?: Pepelu is playing as a center back due to the shortage of personnel in that position due to injuries to other Valencia players.
Who is the coach of Valencia?: Valencia's coach is Carlos Corberán.
Against which team did Pepelu play for the first time as a center back?: Pepelu played as a center back for the first time against Mallorca.
Which other Valencia centre-backs have been injured?: Unai Núñez and Eray Cömert have been injured.
What does coach Corberán think about Pepelu's performance as a center back?: Corberán highly values his adaptation, his contribution in getting the ball out and his defensive solvency, highlighting his personality and courage.
Has any teammate praised Pepelu for his performance in defense?: Yes, goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski has praised his performance, calling it “incredible” and highlighting his effectiveness.
What other positions can Pepelu occupy on the field?: Pepelu is primarily a midfielder, but has shown compatibility to play center back.
Is Pepelu likely to continue playing center back?: It is likely that he will repeat as a starter at the back against Atlético de Madrid, given the coach's confidence.
What qualities does Corberán highlight in Pepelu?: Corberán highlights his personality, courage and ability to adapt.
What does “he practically liquidated Muriqi without giving him options” mean?: It means that Pepelu defended striker Muriqi so effectively that he had no clear scoring opportunities.