Alessandro Burlamaqui in Valencia: What options does he have to fight for a place in Gattuso's team?

It is the second time that the former Espanyol player has received this invitation. A year ago, José Bordalás also called him up and lived up to expectations. He was even close to making his debut in LaLiga Santander. However, over time, he lost his way and was not able to be considered again.

Taking this into account, Depor contacted three journalists who follow the day-to-day of the 'Che' team. They explained in detail the situation of the Peruvian player in Valencia. They also gave their opinion on what they believe will be Burlamaqui's destination for the upcoming season.

For now at Mestalla

Vicent Burguete from Mundo Mestalla indicated that if Valencia's midfield remains unchanged after the transfer window, Burlamaqui is very likely to have a greater role in the reserve team. Although he does not rule out the possibility of him having a chance under Gattuso’s orders.

"Burlamaqui's situation in Valencia is somewhat expectant because he is a player who left a very good impression in preseason but, due to injuries and the team's situation, he did not manage to take the expected step. This year, before starting preseason, I would say there are many more possibilities for him to stay in the reserves, but I would not rule out the possibility that Gattuso could occasionally count on him if he has a good preseason. Obviously, it also depends on the moves made in the signing area for that position," he said.

Following along the same lines is Salva Gomis from Tribuna Deportiva: "I think he will be in preseason with the first team for a while and then drop down to the reserve team. I don't think he will end up staying. I think he will play the season with Mestalla. He was called a few days later because Gattuso wanted to see many of the youth players. The club proposed an initial list, where Burlamaqui was not initially included. But the coach asked to see more kids and currently 10 to 12 players have been called up," he said.

More optimistic is Pascual Calabuig. The reporter from Superdeporte believes that Burlamaqui should start joining Gattuso's team or another team in the first or second division. Staying in the reserves would not help him continue to grow.

"The midfield is one of the positions where Valencia has the most needs. Alessandro is a player who deserves space and an opportunity. If he continues to be left in the youth team, I don't see a future for him. He has the ability to earn a place in the first team. He is ready to play at that level. If not in Valencia, he can leave, but in LaLiga or Smartbank. I think he is ready to take that step," he said.

A door opens

One of the positions in Valencia's midfield that will surely be left vacant is the one Carlos Soler will leave. After almost a lifetime in the institution, the 'jewel' is ready to be sold and leave a lot of money in the team's coffers. The main clubs competing for his services are Barcelona and Manchester United.

After the imminent departure of the Spanish national team player, the options for midfielders will be Yunus Musah, Hugo Guillamón, Uros Racic, and Koba Leïn. One advantage that Burlamaqui has is that these players do not have the same characteristics as a defensive midfielder, which the Peruvian does possess. The next names on the list belong to Mestalla.

Taking into account Gattuso's tactical approach, in which the defensive midfielder is very important - he played in that position during his playing days - it will open the doors to more players in that position. That's a point in favor for the player born in 2002.

It should be noted that at the moment Valencia does not seem interested in a possible loan for Burlamaqui. Especially after the promotion of the reserve team to the Segunda RFEF. They are aware that in such competition he can continue to grow and demonstrate the credentials that will take him to the elite.

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