Kiko Femenia

Football always holds surprises, and the start of the 2023-2024 season for Villarreal CF has offered one of the most pleasant: the brilliant performance of Kiko Femenía. The right-back from Alicante, who joined the club in 2022 from Watford, has established himself as a key piece in the team's lineup at the start of this season, surprising many who did not expect to see him in such good form. Kiko is the only outfield player to have played every minute of La Liga to date.

A second youth

At 33 years old, Kiko Femenía has shown that age is just a number. His start to the season is proof of that. What is most surprising is his ability to combine experience with an energy that many thought was lost after his return to La Liga following several years in the Premier League. With Villarreal, Femenía has regained that spark that characterized him in his early stages as a player, strengthening the right-back position with physical display, defensive solidity, and a more than acceptable offensive contribution.

A performance no one expected

When Kiko Femenía arrived at Villarreal, he was seen more as a rotational reinforcement than as an undisputed starter, as that starting role was supposed to go to Juan Foyth. The Argentine's continuous and prolonged injuries shifted the spotlight to Kiko, and his performance at the beginning of this season has exceeded all expectations. The right-back has had outstanding performances in several matches and has ensured that Villarreal has not missed Foyth. We highlight his involvement in attacking plays, and his tireless defensive effort has delighted the yellow fans.

Femenía averages a 90% pass completion rate per match, 94% in his own half, and 81% in the opponent's half. Additionally, he averages 4.6 ball recoveries per match. Few turnovers and good recoveries.

The coach's confidence!

Villarreal's coach, Marcelino García Toral, is very pleased with the Alicante native’s performance, and it's no wonder. Kiko has been an example of dedication and hard work, qualities that have been evident to fans who have followed the preseason and watched the La Liga matches. At 33 years old, Kiko tirelessly moves up and down the wing and has become the only outfield player to have played every minute of the first five matchdays of the league campaign.

An uncertain future...

Kiko Femenía's strong start excites Villarreal fans, but it raises questions about how long his connection with the team will last. The Alicante native's contract ends at the end of the season, and his age of 33 works against him when it comes to seeking a renewal with the "groguet" club. On X, we asked if you would renew Femenía, and a large majority agreed on offering him another year. Will that renewal come?

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