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Ones to Watch: Nolito

As the 2014/15 season was reaching its conclusion focus was primarily on the battle for 4th and the relegation scrap, both of which were only decided on the final day. However, in amongst all that drama Celta Vigo rose like a phoenix and almost snatched a European place at the death on the back of some wonderful displays. And the driving force behind that run? Nolito.

He started off his career in quite humble beginnings playing for local side Sanluqueño and later Ecija in the Spanish third division. It was there where he caught the eye of Barcelona B, in the same division at the time, and he promptly helped them gain promotion in his second season with the Calatan side – scoring 12 goals in the process.

His performances for the Barcelona’s reserve side didn’t go unnoticed and he made his debut for the senior team in the 2010/11 season under Pep Guardiola. No easy feat as he had Messi and Pedro ahead on him in the pecking order, as well as an impressive Bojan.

It was probably because of the competition for places that he decided to leave the Camp Nou and instead sign for Portuguese giants Benfica. Things started off brilliantly as he netted on each of his first five appearances for the club – only ever done by Portugal legend Eusebio previously. His second season didn’t go as well, struggling to make the side ahead of Ola John and Nicolas Gaitan.

In January 2013 he was loaned back to La Liga side Granada where he impressed enough to gain a permanent move back to Spain, this time with Celta Vigo.

It was no surprise that the manager of Celta at the time was former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique. He picked up from where he left off in goalscoring terms as he helped fire Celta up to a respectable 9th-placed finish, level on points with Valencia, notching an impressive 14 goals.

His form continued into last season as well. Defences failed to cope with his direct style of play, especially with pace to burn and tricks aplenty. Not only did he manage to score 13 goals in the league but he also provided 13 assists. He deservedly earned his first cap for Spain in November against Germany.

Celta finished the 14/15 season strongly and only lost once their last nine matches. Nolito played in eight of those, scoring 5 goals and making 5 assists as their late surge for European football just fell short.

According to WhoScored, Nolito provided an average of 2.7 key passes per game, only matched by James Rodriguez but higher than Messi (2.5). His record of 13 assists is the best of the rest, behind the free scoring Real Madrid and Barcelona players. Not afraid to shoot either, showing his confidence in front of goal, he averaged 2.9 shots per game which was the same as Neymar.

His main asset is his pace, no doubt about it. And unlike a lot of pacey players he actually has an end product to his game, finally adding assists to a generally impressive goal return for a wide man. He’s got quick feet; predominantly right-footed but has become more than competent on his left as well.

Nolito will be 29 this October so it was no surprise to see him linked with big-money moves this summer. Valencia were first to enquire as contract talks with Pablo Piatti stalled. Then it was the turn of his old club Barcelona to sound him out as a possible replacement for Pedro. His release clause stands at £13m which is more than reasonable in the current market.

As the transfer window closed last night, Nolito is unlikely to be going anywhere this summer which is great news for Celta, currently top of the table with 2 wins out of 2. He’s already scored 2 goals and provided an assist.

If Celta do manage to tie him down to a new deal with a higher release clause, they stand a very good chance of making the Europa League spots this season. If not, expect a plethora of clubs from both Spain and England to be making enquiries this winter.