Macia and Diatta look here to stay at Villarreal | OneFootball

Carlos Maciá and Alassane Diatta have turned pre-season chances into genuine first-team claims at Villarreal, impressing new head coach Iñigo Pérez.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the academy pair arrived on trial for pre-season, then started against Benfica and PSV Eindhoven, a clear sign of Pérez’s trust.

Both are midfielders, young and imposing at 1.86m and 1.90m, yet their styles dovetail. Maciá brings order and control, Diatta adds power, range and defensive bite.

At 17, Maciá plays with notable maturity, receiving ahead of the centre-backs and knitting play under pressure. He can operate as a six, an eight or in a double pivot. Villarreal renewed his contract on 22 July until June 2031, two years beyond his 2029 deal, and he debuted last season.

Diatta, 21 and Senegalese, covers ground, competes in duels and presses without the team losing structure. Left-footed and tidy on the ball, he looks for vertical distribution. The club extended his contract on 12 December 2025 to June 2030, three years on from the previous 2027 term.

The pair have made a strong early impression on Pérez and appear set for regular involvement in a demanding, match-heavy campaign. With Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña as midfield references, they add competition, depth and the option to partner in a compatible double pivot.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo