FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.06.2010 12:56

Villa = goals guaranteed!

Marc Guillén

David Villa is showing in South Africa that he is a guarantee of goals – after his strike against Chile, he is Spain’s leading scorer with three of the team’s four goals, with the other one coming from Iniesta after Villa pass.

Villa’s goal against Chile came from 50 yards out as he struck a clearance from the keeper as it fell to him, but he later admitted: “I first thought of stopping the ball and controlling it, but then I thought ‘just shoot and that’s it!’ and fortunately for me it worked out okay”. The goal was a carbon copy of Pedro’s against Deportivo, when the Barca winger hit home from a slightly more central position after the keeper had miscleared the ball.

Leading scorer

Villa’s three goals in South Africa added to his three in Germany four years ago mean that he is Spain’s leading World Cup marksman of all time - something he’s achieved in just seven games – beating the five that Raul, Hierro, Butragueño and Morientes all chalked up.

Villa has now scored 40 goals for the national team, just four less than Raul’s record, and his three so far in South Africa mean he shares the leading scorer position in the tournament with Higuaín and Vittek.

Versatility

At Valencia, David Villa always played through the centre, but Del Bosque has been employing him out wide in the World Cup, encouraging him to cut in from the left and terrify the opponents’ defence with his pace and quick feet. So far it’s a tactic that has certainly paid dividends and the Barca fans must be looking forward to seeing the team’s versatile new signing show his abilities at the Nou Camp next season.