Carlos Romero, the missing link Valencia let go, a threat at Mestalla | OneFootball

Carlos Romero, once released by Valencia, is now a standout at Espanyol with four goals and two assists. He returns to Mestalla as a clear threat to a team still edging away from relegation.

According to AS, his form has caught the eye of Luis De la Fuente and put him on Mateu Alemany’s Atlético radar, though Villarreal hold his contract until 2029 so any move would need negotiation.

Romero is the missing link in Paterna’s line of left-backs, from Jordi Alba to Jesús Vázquez via Bernat, Gayà and Lato. Valencia cut him during José Ramón Alexanko’s tenure, a decision they now rue.

Coach Paco Marí, who worked with him at San José and Torre Levante, recalls him dominating the Liga Nacional Juvenil. After a December friendly, scouts were captivated, with Xavi Mocholí trying and failing to take him to Barcelona. Villarreal signed him for their Juvenil under Miguel Ángel Tena, now sporting director, who nurtured his hard-working mentality.

From a Valencianista family, he idolised El Guaje Villa and looked up to Alba, Bernat and Gayà, who is suspended today.

Corberán has his emergency centre-back in Unai Núñez, but paperwork will dictate if he features. He would go straight into a defence without Diakhaby, Tárrega, Thierry and Gayà, while Copete and Cömert have had knocks. The win at Getafe eased nerves after Elche, but Mestalla expects. Espanyol arrive with one point from the last nine and better performances than results, and Manolo said there would be tweaks, not a revolution.

Source: AS