SCOUTING VALENCIA: Should be a breeze in theory but Valencia at the Mestalla is never easy

Valencia CF, led by Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, are experiencing difficulties as they commence their 2026 season. After a tumultuous period with three managers in just 11 matches, the team has recorded two wins, three draws, and six defeats. Their goal tally of eight shows a significant problem, with 17 goals conceded. They've generated 10.8 expected goals per 90 minutes (npxG), placing them 17th in La Liga, but only six of these goals counted when considering penalties and own goals.

Umar Sadiq leads the goal scorers with one.8 npxG and two goals, while Hugo Duro and Arnaut Danjuma have yet to find the net, despite their chances amounting to 1.6 and 1.4 npxG respectively. The team's offensive performance peaked in their seventh and eighth match of the season, averaging 1.85 npxG. However, they've conceded 14.8 npxG, averaging 1.34 goals conceded per match.

Valencia's defensive actions, on average, occur 30 metres from their own goal line, the deepest among La Liga teams. Their possession statistics are poor, with a league-low of 36.4% of final-third passes and only 21.2% of received passes in the final third. This defensive pressure has led to Valencia controlling only five of the 24 zones on the pitch, while their opponents control 11.

Their average passing of 313 per match places them in the 15th position, with only 21.2% of passes arriving in the final third. With 9.3 xT per match, they rank second-lowest in La Liga. Despite completing 10.3 non-penalty shots per game, their average shooting distance of 17.8 metres is the shortest in the league, yet the goals have not followed.

Valencia has been level in 64% of their season matches and ahead in just 10.1%. Aguirre's challenge is to provide more offensive options to move up the pitch and capitalize on their opportunities when they arise.