Mikautadze, Moleiro and Renato Veiga seen as pillars in year two at Villarreal | OneFootball

Villarreal’s Europa League win in Gdansk over Manchester United came more than five years ago, sealed in an unforgettable shootout. With Dani Parejo and Alfonso Pedraza gone, only Gerard Moreno and Juan Foyth remain, now captains. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Iñigo Pérez’s new project needs others to rise, notably Georges Mikautadze, Alberto Moleiro and Renato Veiga.

The trio arrived in summer 2025 as major buys worth 70 million. Young and ambitious, they could have greater impact in a higher press and more proactive style.

Mikautadze, 25, hit 13 La Liga goals despite joining late without a pre-season and needing time to adapt. He has started sharply and, in the second friendly with PSV, impressed and made it 0-1. His movement, link play and finishing showed top-level qualities.

Moleiro, 22, was disappointed to miss Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup squad after a strong season. The former Las Palmas midfielder scored 10 in La Liga, the most among second-line players. Against Como he cut in from the left and curled into the far corner.

Veiga, 23, joined the group in Como yesterday after the World Cup. A starting centre-back for Portugal, beaten by Spain in the last 16, he still has to become the defence’s leader, particularly with Foyth absent. His left-sided distribution could be key in a more possession-focused approach.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo