Parejo’s extraordinary La Liga feat that Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Kroos and Modric did not match | OneFootball

Dani Parejo has compiled 13 consecutive La Liga seasons with 30 or more appearances, a level of continuity that Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have not matched.

At 37, against Sevilla, he made his 268th official appearance for Villarreal, moving ninth on the club’s all-time list behind Arruabarrena, Gerard Moreno, Cani, Cazorla, Marcos Senna, Mario Gaspar, Bruno Soriano and Trigueros. El Periódico Mediterráneo notes his future is uncertain with his contract nearing expiry.

Parejo joined Villarreal from Valencia at 31 and became a fixture over six seasons, even if his role has dipped this term. Unai Emery extracted superb returns as he anchored the Europa League-winning side and a Champions League semi-final run. For Marcelino, who lifted the Copa del Rey with him at Valencia, he has again been a key piece in this second spell.

His run reads 31, 34, 33, 36, 34, 36, 35, 36, 33, 37, 33, 36 and 30 league games from 2013/14 through 2025/26. It underlines durability and the faith of his coaches, with injuries largely keeping their distance. He played 36 league matches at 36 last season, and set a personal high of 37 in 2022/23.

Lionel Messi also managed 30 or more league games in each season from 09/10 to 20/21 with Barcelona. For Parejo, more than a number, the feat sums up a career in an exacting league. He is still adding to it.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo