Filip Ugrinic stakes claim to lead Valencia midfield | OneFootball

Valencia’s relegation fight has thrust Filip Ugrinic into focus, the Swiss staking a claim to lead the midfield. According to Superdeporte, he has grown in influence since returning from a knee lay-off.

At Getafe he endured a scrappy contest, but when he found space between the lines he slipped José Gayà through with a superb pass, the full-back beating David Soria with a deft chip. He also produced two key passes and completed 13 passes in the opposition half, taking risks without hiding.

Signed last summer from Young Boys, he spent months out with knee trouble. In his absence, Carlos Corberán cycled through midfield options without success.

His return has not transformed Valencia overnight, yet he has taken firm steps to become a reference point in the centre. Physical presence, composure in possession and proactive work without the ball suggest a more continuous, competitive side could follow.

Since his comeback Corberán has handed him major responsibility, including set pieces. He has three assists, joint-most with Luis Rioja despite only 446 minutes, and he averages two recoveries per match while winning 52 percent of ground duels.

Ugrinic has started the last four matches and could make it five in a row against Espanyol, the opponents for his first assist this season. With his place consolidating, he is making a case to be one of the engines of a turnaround Valencia badly need, alongside reinforcements and more team-mates stepping up.

Source: Superdeporte