The Rebirth of Alavés: A Promising Start
Deportivo Alavés has been one of the pleasant surprises of the opening weeks of the campaign in Spain’s top-flight. The Vitoria-based team is emerging as one of the revelations of the 2024/25 LaLiga season. After securing their presence for another season in Spain’s top flight, Alavés are exceeding expectations with an extraordinary start to LaLiga 2024/2025. In the early matches, the team has made it clear that they have come not just to survive, but to compete at the highest level. With a style of play that combines tactical discipline with moments of brilliance, Alavés is showing that they deserve their place among the best.
This exciting start has generated expectations among the club’s supporters and has placed Alavés on the radar of many football fans seeking unexpected success stories. In this article, we will delve into the factors contributing to this great start, exploring the defensive solidity, offensive power, the coach’s role, and how new signings and breakout players have impacted the team’s performance.
One of the key pillars of Alavés’ strong start this season has been their defensive strength. While it is true that the team has conceded goals in these early stages, the defensive performance has been remarkable, particularly highlighting goalkeeper Antonio Sivera and centre-back Abqar.
Another noteworthy aspect is the work of the full-backs, who have not only fulfilled their defensive duties but have also contributed to the team’s attack. Manu Sanchez and Tenaglia have been tireless in their runs up and down the flanks, striking a perfect balance between attack and defence.
Coach Luis García Plaza has implemented a compact defensive system, with closely-knit lines that make it difficult for opponents to create chances. The team does not limit themselves to defending with the backline; instead, all players actively participate in ball recovery. This collective sacrifice mentality has allowed Alavés to have one of the best defensive records in the early stages of LaLiga.
However, Alavés hasn’t only excelled defensively; they have also shown great offensive prowess. Unlike other teams that focus solely on keeping a clean sheet, Alavés has demonstrated that they have the talent and ambition to attack. So far, the team has averaged more than one goal per game, with standout performances in matches where they have dominated more experienced rivals.
One of the most important players in this regard has been forward Toni Martínez, who has found the net on multiple occasions and has become the team’s main offensive reference. Toni Martínez has proven to be a versatile striker, capable of scoring both inside and outside the box, and his ability to hold up the ball and link up with his teammates has been key to Alavés’ offensive success.
Another crucial player in the team’s attack is Carlos Vicente. His ability to beat opponents on the wings and assist his teammates has added an extra dimension to Alavés’ attacking play. Midfielders like Ander Guevara have played a fundamental role in creating chances, displaying exceptional vision and precision in their passes, allowing the team to constantly pose a threat.
The variety of attacking options has made Alavés unpredictable. They do not rely on a single player or a single strategy to score goals. The ability to combine set-pieces, counterattacks, and positional attacks has enabled the team to adapt to different situations and opponents, making them a difficult side to contain.
The impact of coach Luis García Plaza cannot be underestimated in Alavés’ success at the start of this season. Since his arrival, García Plaza has implemented a balanced tactical approach that has allowed the team to perform at its best both in defence and attack. His experience in LaLiga and his ability to bring out the best in his players have been evident in every match.
García Plaza has proven to be a flexible strategist, able to adjust his tactics based on the opponent and the circumstances of the game. He has instilled a winning mentality in his players, making them believe in their potential even against stronger opponents. Moreover, he has managed the locker room excellently, keeping all players motivated and ready to contribute when needed.
The coach has ensured that the players understand their roles within the system, creating a cohesive and disciplined team that knows how to face the different challenges LaLiga presents.
Alavés’ success wouldn’t be possible without the contribution of players who have stepped up and exceeded expectations. Something that isn’t easy after having to part ways with 14 players from the previous season and bringing in 12 new ones this year.
Loaned players, hungry to grow professionally, have been given a great opportunity by Alavés, such as those coming from Atlético Madrid, including Santiago Mouriño and Carlos Martín—the latter standing out for his goal-scoring ability last season at Mirandés in the Segunda División.
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As the season progresses, the question on many fans’ minds is whether Alavés will be able to maintain this level of performance. The early matches have shown that the team has the quality and mentality needed to compete in LaLiga, but the real test will come in the coming months when they face tougher opponents and deal with the inevitable injuries and suspensions that all teams face.
However, if Alavés can continue showing the same defensive solidity and offensive ability they’ve displayed so far, there is no doubt they can aim for more than just survival. The possibility of fighting for a mid-table or even a higher finish no longer seems like an unreachable dream.
The start of the 2024/2025 season has been a breath of fresh air for Alavés and their supporters. The team has shown that they have the quality, talent, and character to compete in LaLiga and have made it clear that they won’t be an easy opponent for anyone. Defensive strength, offensive power, the tactical direction of Luis García Plaza, and the impact of breakout players and signings have been the ingredients of this early success.
The big question now is whether Alavés will be able to maintain this level throughout the entire season. If they manage to do so, this campaign could be remembered as one of the best in the club’s recent history. For now, Alavés and their fans can enjoy a start that has exceeded all expectations and has put the club on the LaLiga map as one of the teams to watch.
By: Juanjo Montero / @JJMont3ro
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Soccrates Images / Getty Images