Unlocking the Magic: Discover Why Gabri Veiga is the Ultimate Premier League Midfielder
Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, a sought-after midfielder, is capturing the attention of top European clubs Former coach Carlos Carvalhal reveals the exceptional qualities that set the Spaniard apart and offers insights on optimizing his performance
Content: In a critical moment for Celta Vigo in LaLiga's final match of the season against champions Barcelona, it was the youngest player on the field who emerged as the hero. Gabri Veiga, a local talent, netted two goals in a 2-1 victory at the lively Balaidos stadium.
These goals marked Veiga's 10th and 11th in LaLiga, making him the top scorer from long-range shots last season. The 21-year-old's journey has been extraordinary, considering he only scored his first goal for the senior team in September.
Indeed, the midfielder's breakthrough has been so remarkable that it is destined to be his final appearance in a Celta shirt - for now, at least. Veiga has garnered attention from top-notch teams in the Premier League, with Paris Saint-Germain currently leading the race to secure his signature.
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Gabri Veiga enjoyed a breakthrough year in La Liga and is now an U21 international
It will be intriguing to observe if his triumph can be duplicated in other locations, not solely due to the possibility of talent being overlooked in Paris, but also because the unique circumstances that propelled Veiga as a prospective sensation. His deep runs appear to emanate from a bygone era.
During his adolescence, he had played as a forward and it was only when head coach Carlos Carvalhal recognized his capacity to excel in a deeper position that he was initially deployed as a No 10 by Celta. It is in this role that he has flourished, consistently posing a scoring threat with his well-timed surges into the penalty area.
"That is what sets him apart, making him exceptionally special," Carvalhal tells us. "I conveyed to him that by playing as a No 10, he had the potential to become an exceptional player. However, if he embraced the role of a second midfielder and continued to excel in scoring goals and providing assists, he would arguably possess a truly unparalleled style of movement in the entire world."
Carvalhal, an intriguing coach, experienced a transformative phase in his career. Following his stint in the Premier League with Swansea, he consciously withdrew from football to reflect on his tactics and subsequently emerged with a fresh perspective on the game.
"We yearned to experiment and explore novel approaches," he recounts. This opportunity arose at Rio Ave in Portugal where he propelled the team to a remarkable fifth place finish, the club's highest achievement to date. Carvalhal further advanced by guiding Braga to both domestic cup finals, triumphing in one of them.
Content: Veiga, a midfielder with a unique style, found the dynamics at Celta to be particularly crucial upon Carvalhal's arrival. This was evident as, following the World Cup, only Barcelona and Real Sociedad obtained more points in the subsequent three months, showcasing Carvalhal's continued innovative approach.
At Celta, we had a specific approach to our gameplay. We believed that the right side of our team should initiate attacks while the left side should maintain balance. Oscar Mingueza primarily played on the right side of our defense but occasionally ventured into midfield.
When Mingueza broke the opponent's defensive lines, he would take up the position held by Gabri Veiga. Consequently, Gabri Veiga would shift to Iago Aspas' position, and Iago Aspas himself would also adjust accordingly. Such strategic movements were crucial in creating favorable situations on the field.
Gabri Veiga thrived in this style of play, seamlessly adapting to the rhythm of the game. His keen sense of timing allowed him to anticipate when to make decisive leaps, and he expertly synchronized his offensive maneuvers. His hunger to contribute was insatiable, fueled by the understanding that he had the support of both Fran Beltran and Luca de la Torre on the left, thus maintaining a crucial balance for the team.
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Carlos Carvalhal gets off the team bus as Celta Vigo prepare to face Barcelona
Veiga's brilliance lay in his acceptance of his new position, which required a discussion. Carvalhal explains, "Upon our arrival, it became evident that Veiga excelled when playing from deeper positions due to his exceptional vertical movements. Hence, we presented him with a challenge." Carvalhal continues, "We conveyed to him, Gabri, that although being a No 10 is not our specific objective, as we already have Iago Aspas for that role, we still want to include a striker in our lineup. Thus, our proposition to you is to play as one of the two midfielders alongside Fran in the center."
The role holds immense importance as it requires you to both protect and command the central line of four. You excel at applying pressure and catch the opponents off guard by making penetrating runs and scoring goals, qualities not usually expected from a midfielder.
"He embraced the challenge exceedingly well and his performance was truly remarkable."
The memorable night in Vigo saw a remarkable second goal against Barcelona, as a lofted cross-shot sailed over the goalkeeper. However, the first goal was more conventional. Veiga made an untracked run into the box, delivering a precisely measured finish that found the net off the inside of the far post.
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Gabri Veiga scoring the opening goal for Celta Vigo against Barcelona in June
The chipped finish at Real Betis, the curled strike at Espanyol, and the long-range effort at Almeria all highlight his impressive goal-scoring abilities. On more than one occasion, he has demonstrated his knack for being in the perfect position to convert, even managing to score twice in a single game against Valladolid. These natural instincts to finish goals effortlessly stem from his experience as a striker.
It is the combination of factors that renders him an appealing choice. Carvalhal firmly believes in this principle. However, he emphasizes once more that the amalgamation of the team's qualities is just as vital as the individual player's abilities in order to assist Veiga in realizing his full potential.
Content: In football, maintaining a balanced team at all times is crucial. Having just one midfielder present during the loss of possession can disrupt this equilibrium. At Celta, we had a player who adeptly took up the position on the left to restore balance whenever Gabri Veiga advanced forward to score.
Moving forward, it is imperative for the coach to have a thorough understanding of this player. Coaches are skilled and will comprehend this dynamic. The player in question will excel in the No 10 role, no doubt about it. However, if he plays as a midfielder with the appropriate support around him, Gabri Veiga has the potential to become an exceptionally talented player.
