Copete from criticised to undroppable at Valencia | OneFootball

Copete has moved from early scrutiny to an undroppable pick for Valencia, his place under Carlos Corberán shaped by form and a defensive injury crisis.

Valencia paid three and a half million euros to Mallorca and the sale of Cristhian Mosquera to Arsenal intensified focus on the newcomer. AS notes that he took time to settle but has absorbed the criticism.

He has started 17 matches, playing 78% of the league minutes. Only during an early wobble was he benched, three games in a row against Athletic, Espanyol and Oviedo. Since returning, he has not left Corberán’s plans.

With Mouctar Diakhaby and César Tárrega out, Copete now carries extra responsibility while the club works to bring in a centre-back to raise competition. He has taken advantage of the run to cement his spot and leads the team for anticipations with 17, level with Tárrega.

He is one booking from suspension. If he is booked this Saturday against Espanyol, he will miss the Betis match. By then, Valencia should have a centre-back tied up.

Source: AS