Dani Parejo: From QPR to Spains most consistent midfielder – Valencia’s captain is delivering on the promise Alfredo Di Stfano saw in him at Real Madrid

Dani Parejo: From QPR to Spains most consistent midfielder – Valencia’s captain is delivering on the promise Alfredo Di Stfano saw in him at Real Madrid
Some players explode into life and already dazzle among the best as teenagers. Others chart more of a steady, gradual rise.The latter is the case for Dani Parejo, now establishing himself as one of La Ligas most reliable at the age of 29.5

Dani Parejo in action for Spain last week.

Despite his prolonged path to the very top, no less than Alfredo Di Stfano predicted the midfielder would be one of the best when few others seemed to believe it.Parejo was the apple of the Madrid legends eye, and the late Argentinian insisted he was the finest player he had ever seen in Los Blancos youth system. When the Spanish giants disagreed and sent the then youngster on a humbling loan spell to QPR in the Championship in 2008, Di Stfano stopped going to B team (Castilla) games in protest.5

Di Stefano didn’t agree with Parejo’s loan to Queens Park Rangers.

Di Stfanos vision ultimately proved to be sound: Parejo has now leapfrogged the likes of Koke and Sal in the Spain pecking order thanks to an excellent club season.For a while though, it was touch and go. Capable of truly brilliant moments, for years he also lacked the consistency to fulfil his true potential, not always as fit and sharp as someone without natural pace needs to be in order to cope in midfield. Inconsistency is what defined the early part of his time at Valencia. The first real high coincided with the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as coach in 2014. The Portuguese took advantage of Parejos natural ability in front of goal, giving him room to surge into space behind the striker and score 11 from midfield. That helped a revitalised and rejuvenated Los Che return to the Champions League positions for the first time since 2012.But the lows were particularly low. In Valencias horrific 2015-16 season (the one with the Gary Neville experiment) Parejo became a scapegoat for everything that was going wrong at the club. He was stripped of the captaincy by Neville, and Valencia finished as close to the relegation zone as they did the European spots.5

Parejo trained alongside the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, and Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid.

Things didnt get any better in the subsequent year. Sections of the fanbase grew increasingly frustrated with a player they perceived to not be trying hard enough, and everything suggested Parejo would leave the Mestalla a fallen hero, the Madrid native actively looking for a way out. Then, for the second time in his career, someone saw something when others didnt.Marcelino taking charge in 2017 marked the beginning of a return to the top for Los Che, and more than any other, Parejo is the player he has built it around. Despite carrying out a sweeping dressing room clearout, the Asturian saw something worth fighting for when the midfielder was at his worst moment, convincing him to stay and making him the captain once more. Parejo has paid off that faith in spades.5

Parejo celebrates scoring for Valencia last season.

Confidence and the mental side of things is certainly important, but there is a tactical explanation too: Marcelino has firmly established Parejos position as a deep-lying playmaker with license to make late runs into the area (think Xabi Alonso), and that has allowed him to truly excel.With seven league goals he is the highest-scoring central midfielder in La Liga this season. For some perspective, next on the list is Santi Cazorla, with four, then Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic with three each. All are higher profile figures than Parejo, none have been as consistent.And even if his spell in England was brief there is certainly a touch of the English style to his game, box-to-box and specialising in catching opposition defenders out by arriving late from the third line to either finish in the area or drill off a shot from distance.The captain is absolutely indispensable for his coach, playing in 25 of 28 league matchdays so far.Sergio Ramos is the only captain from the other Spanish powerhouses to have played more league games (26).5

Parejo in action this season for Valencia.

The first sign we were seeing the best of Parejo was his leadership role in getting Valencia back into the Champions League last year, but it is his repeated excellence this year, even when other members of the team have struggled to deliver, that truly confirms it.A key defensive piece who has recovered possession more than any other outfield player for Los Che, he has also been their most dangerous creative threat, averaging 2.5 key passes per game and 85% pass completion thats particularly impressive considering his habit of receiving the ball in congested areas.This year marks Valencias centenary, and it could yet prove to be one of the best. Fourth place is still within touching distance, a spot in a first cup final in 10 years has already been booked, and a Europa League quarter-final against relegation strugglers Villarreal offers a favourable path to European glory.Be it David Albelda, Ruben Baraja or David Silva, Los Ches best modern teams have always featured great midfielders. If they are indeed celebrating come the summer, they can thank the next in that lineage for his major contribution.Di Stfano would be proud of what Parejo has become.

---

Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann will sign for

---

Tottenham news: Champions League success could lead to trophy spree for Mauricio Pochettino's men, says Jose Mourinho Champions League glory for Tottenham could spark a trophy spree, according to former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho. Mourinho - a two-time winner in the talkSPORT 2 days ago Also reported by •Daily Star
Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino

---

ASTON VILLA are interested in bringing Gary Cahill back for a reunion with ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry. Cahill, 33, is available on a free transfer and Dean Smith will consider landing the veteran for the Villans' return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa want to reunite Chelsea outcast Gary Cahill with
celebritywshow.com/sport/aston-villa-want-to-reunite-chelsea-outcast-gary-cahill-with-john-terry-on-free-transfer-after-premier-league-promotion/
ASTON VILLA are interested in bringing Gary Cahill back for a reunion with ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry. Cahill, 33, is available on a free transfer and Dean Smith will consider landing the veteran for the Villans' return to the Premier
Aston Villa seeking summer capture of Gary Cahill

---

Champions League final player ratings: Harry Kane gamble backfired for Spurs, while Virgil van Dijk was - 17 mins ago; Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool: Jordan Henderson breaks down in tears after Champions League triumph - 17 mins ago; Which English football club has won the most trophies? Liverpool join Man United on top of table after - 17 mins ago
Champions League final player ratings: Harry Kane gamble
sportworld360.com/champions-league-final-player-ratings-harry-kane-gamble-backfired-for-spurs-while-virgil-van-dijk-was-outstanding-for-winners-liverpool/
Champions League final player ratings: Harry Kane gamble backfired for Spurs, while Virgil van Dijk was outstanding for winners Liverpool Liverpool lifts the
Harry Kane gamble backfired for Spurs, while Virgil van Dijk

---

UK weather latest: Snowfall in Liverpool could leave Leicester match in doubt TONIGHT LIVERPOOL's clash with Leicester tonight could be thrown into doubt if snow cotinues to fall over Merseyside.
Liverpool news: Likeliness of Reds winning the Premier League

---

Tottenham stadium update: Spurs face another important week in bid to have new ground ready for Christmas. Failing to pass upcoming safety tests will force Tottenham to wait until 2019 to open

---

Derby County have knocked Premier League side Southampton out of the FA Cup in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The Rams battled back from two goals down to make it 2-2 at St Mary's on Wednesday
Southampton 2-2 Derby County (3-5 on penalties): Premier

---

Sport > Football > Premier League Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures in the run-in? Manchester City or Liverpool? With eight games remaining, where could the Premier League title
Liverpool losing Premier League title race to Manchester City
sports.weblife24.com/liverpool-losing-premier-league-title-race-to-manchester-city-is-tragic-bad-luck-says-dean-saunders-on-tal/
Dean Saunders says Liverpool losing the Premier League title race to Manchester City is like 'the best race horse in the world' being beaten by 'a horse from nowhere'. The ex-Reds striker says finishing runners-up would be 'tragic bad luck' and insists this season should NOT be deemed a failure, even if Jurgen Klopp's side end the
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Why Pep Guardiola thinks Sunday's

---

Jurgen Klopp accepted he would be judged on trophies despite insisting he will never forget Liverpool's "brilliant season". Liverpool have a chance to win their first piece of silverware
Jurgen Klopp Accepts Liverpool Will Be Judged On Trophies

---

Iceland vs Turkey: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news What TV channel is Belgium vs Scotland on and can I live stream it? This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event
What time does Chelsea vs Man United start, what TV - The Sun

---

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip. Manchester United wrapped up a deal for Swansea starlet Daniel James last week and will now
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea

---

football live streaming free uk
afghanistan premier league live streaming in india
champions league live streaming free
champions league live streaming ronaldo 7
live streaming champions league yalla shoot
sky sports premier league live streaming free
champions league draw live streaming youtube
sky sports champions league live streaming
champions league hockey live streaming free
uefa champions league live online hd tv streaming free links
football live streaming barcelona vs real madrid
champions league live stream kostenlos ru
sri lanka premier league 2018 live streaming
football live streaming in hd
reddit champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming usa
where to watch champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming espn
champions league live streaming video free
football live streaming channels
premier league live stream first row
juventus vs tottenham champions league live streaming
hockey champions league live streaming
premier league live stream chelsea vs leicester city
live streaming bein sport 3 premier league hd
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online
free live premier league football streaming online
live streaming champions league group stage draw
afc champions league live streaming
premier league live streaming sportek
premier league live streaming india free
premier league live stream chelsea crystal palace
champions league live streaming gratis
uefa champions league real madrid vs bayern munich live streaming
uefa champions league live streaming hotstar
barclays premier league live streaming hd free
premier league live streaming xfinity
epl live streaming hotstar
champions league live streaming sportek
football live streaming barcelona vs liverpool
champions league draw live stream uefa
madhya premier league live streaming
champions league final live streaming hd
premier league live stream no sign up
barcelona psv champions league live streaming
champions league free live streaming ipad
football live streaming mobile app
espn uefa champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming channels in india
jordan premier league live stream
champions league live stream juventus vs valencia
champions league live stream vipbox
live premier league games streaming
champions league live stream psg vs real madrid
champions league quarter final draw live streaming
premier league live streaming free ipad
youtube champions league live streaming
tamil nadu premier league 2018 live match streaming
diretta gol premier league live streaming
football live streaming isl
apl afghanistan premier league live streaming
champions league final live streaming india
live streaming champions league napoli vs liverpool
premier league live stream cr7
football live streaming sky sports
real madrid vs liverpool final champions league live streaming
champions league final live streaming totalsportek
premier league live stream singapore
pakistan premier league live streaming
gibraltar premier league live stream
uefa champions league live streaming free online liverpool
best free live streaming sites champions league
live football streaming jamaica vs antigua
tottenham vs juventus champions league live streaming
barclays premier league live stream reddit
football live streaming english premier league
manchester city vs liverpool champions league live streaming
premier league darts live streaming
barclays premier league live streaming
premier league live stream sky
premier league live streaming usa
premier league live streaming manchester city
caribbean premier league live streaming in india
dhangadhi premier league 2 live streaming
premier league live streaming.net
roma vs liverpool champions league live streaming
champions league final live streaming canada
ipl indian premier league live streaming
champions league live stream juventus vs manchester united
best app for premier league live streaming
psg vs real madrid champions league live streaming
nonton premier league live streaming
karnataka premier league live streaming channels
uefa champions league live streaming channels in india
champions league live stream konferenz
international champions league live streaming
barclays premier league live streaming online free
everest premier league live streaming
football live streaming apk
premier league live stream man city
football live stream extension
barclays premier league live streaming online free no sign up
t10 premier league live streaming
champions league live stream guardian
champions league streaming live gratis
thai premier league live streaming
#Instagood #deporte #football #united #manchestercity #univisiondeportes #realmadrid #durhamregion #europaleague #ucl #mufc #ajax #Manchesterunited #courtois #manutd #amrabat #ajaxamsterdam #futbol #pickering #likes4likes #BayernMunchen #meme #hakimziyech #Barcelona #beinsports #manchester #Bale #pogba #tottenham #beinsportsusa #fifa #Casillas #premierleague #telemundodeportes #foxdeportes #Ronaldo #footy #news #UCL #likeforlike #espndeportes #championsleague #laliga #ChampionsLeague #barcelona #salah #navas #RealMadrid #Chelsea #Ajax #foxsports #manchesterunited #fcbarcelona #Football #nike #goals #toronto #Ronaldo #Neymar #footballmemes #likeforlikes #Futbol #Messi #soccer #bundesliga #liverpool #LeoMessi #amsterdam #oshawa #degea #Like4Like #ronaldo #futbolmexicano #Rooney #realmadrid #transfers #sports #skysports #433 #Soccer #Mancity #Cr7 #england