The curious case of Dani Raba at Valencia | OneFootball

Dani Raba’s Valencia season has run from an eye-catching pre-season and an opening-day start to long spells on the fringes. Carlos Corberán has barely used him.

AS reports that Raba arrived as the club’s first signing, joining on a free after three seasons at Leganés. He quickly looked important, impressing in pre-season with moments of quality.

He started the first league match against Real Sociedad, playing 67 minutes and setting up Diego López for Valencia’s goal.

After that he started only once more, at Mestalla against Athletic Club, then his involvement steadily waned. In the Copa del Rey he featured in the first three rounds, against Maracena, Cartagena and Sporting de Gijón, scoring two goals.

Since 1 November he has played just 34 minutes across five matches. His latest eight came on Saturday at Mestalla against Atlético de Madrid, introduced when Valencia trailed 0-2 and the home crowd were on edge.

The switch was unexpected because André Almeida had been ahead of Raba in Corberán’s pecking order all season. The Portuguese stayed on the bench as the coach used up his changes with the Cantabrian’s introduction.

Raba’s contract runs to 2027 and he had winter offers, including from Leganés. With four league games remaining, his chances of minutes at Valencia remain to be seen.

Source: AS