Toni Martínez to step out at Mestalla 10 years and 93 goals later | OneFootball

Valencia’s meeting with Deportivo Alavés carries extra meaning for several familiar faces, not least Toni Martínez, who will walk out at Mestalla for the first time in his career after being an unused substitute on his last visit. Luis Rioja, Quique Sánchez Flores and Antonio Sivera are also up against former employers.

He grew up in Valencia’s academy dreaming of that stage, yet he returns now in different colours. According to Superdeporte, the striker has become a seasoned traveller whose growing maturity has sharpened his scoring instinct.

Martínez was a leading light in a youth side denied on the road to European glory at Chelsea’s training ground. West Ham then arrived with an offer of more than €1 million, and with coaches unconvinced he would reach Valencia’s first team, he chose London.

Opportunities were scarce, so he took loans with Rayo Majadahonda, Lugo and Oxford United, learning his trade. Portugal proved the launchpad, first at Famalicão with 14 goals and 6 assists in 40 games, then at Porto, where he made 140 appearances, scoring 32 with 7 assists.

Two summers ago Alavés paid €2 million to make him Kike García’s foil. A patchy first year included no minutes at Mestalla, something that looks unlikely now given his expanded role.

For Alavés he has 13 goals in 60 matches, nine this season, and he has played more than 70 per cent of available minutes. He stands among Valencia’s chief threats in a match that matters for survival.

Since leaving Paterna 10 years ago he has amassed 93 goals, averaging more than nine per campaign, and at 28 he looks an established top-flight centre-forward.

Source: Superdeporte