Tito Sings El Guaje's Praises

29 November 2012

Tito Vilanova has hailed the return to scoring fitness of David Villa.

The Spanish international scored a brace in Barca’s 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Alaves last night, and his sumptuous free-kick in particular gave Vilanova something to savour.

After spending eight months out of action with a broken leg, it has taken Villa time to adjust to playing full tilt again.

But his goals tally for the season is now eight from 16 appearances, and Vilanova is happy to have ‘El Guaje’ to call on.

The Blaugrana frequently play without an out-and-out striker these days, but Villa is adaptable and can play across the front line. And his scoring record for club and country means when fit he is essentially indispensable.

After his goal heroics last night helped defending champions Barca sail smoothly into the next round of the Copa, Vilanova was effusive in his praise for Villa.

"Every day he looks better," Vilanova said of Villa at a press conference.

"It was a complicated injury and he has worked a great deal over the summer.

"He is a player who has the scorer's gift and it is important to have him in the squad."

Meanwhile, Vilanova has praised the second-stringers who provided Barca’s safe passage last night.

In particular, the manager was impressed by 21-year-old left back Carles Planas, who plays for Barca B, and 18-year-old striker Gerard Deulofeu, who seems to have a bright future at the Camp Nou.

"[Planas] is a player who has quality and he is perfectly capable of playing with us," Vilanova said.

"With Adriano and (Jordi) Alba in the squad it's not going to be easy for him but this Wednesday it was the right time.”

Regarding Deulofeu, Tito added: "Not all footballers can step up to the first team at the age of 17 or 18.

"We have to keep challenging him. He has a lot of talent but also a lot of things still to improve."