Carlos Romero, Valencia academy product, a major Espanyol threat at Mestalla | OneFootball

Valencia host Espanyol on Saturday at 16:15, and the standout threat is Carlos Romero, the in-form left-back who came through their academy. The Villarreal defender is in his second loan spell at Espanyol and is thriving.

AS reports that Atlético Madrid want to reinforce the left flank and rate Romero highly, with any move considered for the summer rather than January. His profile fits the sporting department led by Mateu Alemany.

Romero stepped up last term, and this season he is revealing his full potential. He is among LaLiga’s form full-backs, arguably in Europe. He has four goals and two assists in 19 league matches, the strongest attacking return of any defender.

Born in Torrent in 2001, he started at Valencia’s academy before being released. He moved into Villarreal’s youth set-up and remains contracted there, while spending the last two seasons on loan at Espanyol.

On Saturday he appears at Mestalla not in Valencia colours but aiming to test Carlos Corberán’s team. His defensive power and, above all, his attacking surge make him a major danger.

It seems unlikely he will remain at Espanyol beyond this season. He is due back at Villarreal when his loan ends and has a €45 million release clause, and Espanyol’s strong campaign has amplified his profile. Several Premier League clubs have already shown interest.

Source: Superdeporte