Beltrán turned down Real Madrid for Fiorentina and now faces them with Valencia | OneFootball

Valencia signed Lucas Beltrán on loan from Fiorentina last summer, and he now faces the Real Madrid side he could have joined in 2023. The Argentine forward has become a key foil rather than a pure penalty-box finisher.

“Roma, Fiorentina and Real Madrid got in touch with me. I chose Florence because I felt it. One day I woke up and told my brother, ‘I want to go to Fiorentina’,” he told Eurosport in February 2024.

“When Argentinians talk about Fiorentina or Florence, Batistuta immediately comes to mind, along with many others who played here. It is a great pride for me to be here and to wear Batistuta’s shirt number.”

At Mestalla he has impressed with his link play and willingness to graft. Operating often from the pocket, Beltrán supplies combinations and movement that stretch defences.

He goes into tomorrow’s meeting with Madrid on one league goal and two assists, plus two cup strikes. He also leads Valencia for fouls suffered, 31, and duels contested, 162. Head coach Carlos Corberán has repeatedly underlined his selfless work for the team.

Source: AS