Valencia's incredible exports: A starting XI of players sold by Los Che

Valencia has made an immense contribution to Spanish football.
Valencia has made an immense contribution to Spanish football.

Left-Midfield - David Silva (Manchester City)

Getafe v Valencia
Getafe v Valencia

Fondly known as 'Merlin' in England, Manchester City captain David Silva was working his magic and befuddling defences much before he made the move to the Etihad in the summer of 2010.

A product of Valencia's youth system, Silva spent six years with the club, carving out a place in Los Che's attacking midfield and making them a force to reckon with. Silva transformed into the player we know today in the 2009-10 season, forming a lethal partnership with David Villa to power Valencia to a third-place finish.

Silva was one of the first signings in Manchester City's new-look squad and played a leading role as a winger and trequartista in Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The Spaniard has gone on to become even better under Pep Guardiola and is widely regarded as one of the best signings in Manchester City's history.


Right-Midfield - Juan Mata (Manchester United)

Valencia v Barcelona - Copa del Rey Semi-Final Second Leg
Valencia v Barcelona - Copa del Rey Semi-Final Second Leg

The Valencia of 2009-10 was one of the most creative sides in a league boasting the likes of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, and it is evident why. The club's most talented playmakers seemed to play for the club at roughly the same time and were of the same nationality as well.

Juan Mata emerged through Real Madrid's youth structure and played one season for their B team, Castilla. An almost impossible route to the first team in Madrid meant that Mata had to look elsewhere for playing time and Valencia seemed the ideal fit.

Mata excelled in his role at Valencia, generally playing in creative midfield or either flank. He was also occasionally used as a support striker behind David Villa. The 2010 season proved to be highly productive for the young Spaniard, with tallies of 11 goals and 13 assists making it exceedingly evident that Mata was a talent to look out for.

Mata made the switch to the Premier League in 2011, joining compatriot Fernando Torres at Chelsea. He is currently still in the Premier League, playing for Manchester United.


Center-Attacking Midfield - Isco (Real Madrid)

England v Spain - UEFA Nations League A
England v Spain - UEFA Nations League A

Isco, currently playing for Real Madrid, completes our incredible trifecta of attacking talent in Valencia's highly creative midfield.

While compatriots David Silva and Juan Mata were running the show for Valencia in 2009, Isco was still in Valencia's reserve team. He made his first appearance for the senior side in 2010, sharing his debut with Paco Alcacer.

Isco went on to sign a five-year contract with Malaga and played a starring role in their Champions League campaign in the 2012-13 season. His exploits that season handed him the coveted 'Golden Boy' award.

Unfortunately, Valencia missed out on playing their three maestros in the same game by only a season, as Isco was promoted to Valencia's senior side only after David Silva had departed to Manchester City. A midfield such as this would have surely given Spain's behemoths a run for their money.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now