Villarreal Team News - Soccer

Alex Freeman - Scores vs. Australia Freeman scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 2-0 win against Australia.

Impact Freeman doubled the USMNT lead with a header in the final moments of the first half, but he also looked the part defensively against a rugged, physical Australian team. Freeman has been a solid contributor for the USMNT in the first two games and should remain in the XI unless the coaching staff decides to tweak the squad in the group-stage finale against Turkiye on Thursday, June 25.

8 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Tajon Buchanan - Busy game without a goal Buchanan had four shots (one on goal), 10 crosses (three accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 6-0 win against Qatar.

Impact Buchanon took four shots but was unable to find the back of the net as Canada defeated Qatar 6-0. He was still heavily involved in the game. It was his powerful shot that was returned to Jonathan David, which allowed him to score and put Canada 2-0 ahead. One of his four shots was also cleared off the line in the first half and was fouled as the final man on his way towards the box, which meant that the Qatari defender get sent off.

19 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Renato Palma Veiga - Two tackles in draw Veiga had two tackles (zero won) and three clearances in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus DR Congo.

Impact Veiga played the full game in Wednesday's 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, contributing two tackels and three clearances but couldn't have done better on DR Congo's opener since Yoane Wissa was left alone to head it home. Portugal's back line and midfield had to manage a tense finish after DR Congo's first-half stoppage-time equalizer, with the match opening up in transition late. Veiga seems to have a slight edge over Goncalo Inacio to start in central defense during the competition for Portugal.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Thomas Partey - Loses appeal Partey lost his appeal against visa refusal into Canada, per Martyn Ziegler of The Times.

Impact Partey lost his appeal and will not be allowed into Canada for the opening match against Panama. Partey will likely be granted a visa into the United States for the second match of the group stage, but he remains out for the opener. Elisha Owusu is in line for the start against Panama with Partey not allowed in the country.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Thomas Partey - Visa denial court bid Tuesday Partey (personal) is expected to appear at a federal court in Canada on Tuesday with the support of the Ghana government as he seeks to overturn the visa denial that has ruled him...

Impact Partey was denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana's opening group stage fixture, depriving the Black Stars of their most experienced and important midfielder for what promises to be a crucial opener. The deputy captain's legal bid represents a last-ditch attempt to be available for Wednesday's clash, with the Ghana government stepping in to support his case, while Elisha Owusu is among the options being considered to fill his role in the midfield if the court appearance does not produce the desired outcome.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Pepe - Attempts two shots in win Pepe registered two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Ecuador.

Impact Pepe operated as one of the two forwards for Ivory Coast alongside Elye Wahi in a 4-4-2 tactic, but he couldn't find the target despite his mobility causing problems for Ecuador's elite defensive line. Pepe, who also has value as a corner-kick and set-piece taker, will have a tougher matchup next time around against Germany on Saturday.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Tajon Buchanan - Three crosses on the wing Buchanan recorded three crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Buchanan sent in three crosses, though none were accurate during the group stage opener. The midfielder also added a defensive contribution with a tackle, but on the whole wasn't overly involved. It was a tough, cagey match and the pacey winger just couldn't get involved in the attack as often as he would have liked. In a group of largely defensive teams Buchanan's impact could be limited.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Tani Oluwaseyi - Creates pair of chances Oluwaseyi recorded two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Friday's 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Oluwaseyi started in the attack and created a pair of chances, but failed to really do much else. His pair of shots weren't overly threatening and in the end he was left with nothing to show for the opening match of the World Cup. Oluwaseyi could rotate throughout the group stage, as Canada have a few competent attacking options.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alex Freeman - Assist from defense Freeman recorded one assist on one chance created in Friday's 4-1 win over Paraguay.

Impact Freeman would be the recipient of the last assist of the night, finding Giovanni Reyna in stoppage time for a beautiful goal to cap off the great night. Freeman also did well in the defense despite the USA not earning a clean sheet, notching one tackle won and two interceptions in the defense. He has now started in the opener, although he could see some rotation with Mark McKenzie moving forward.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Thomas Partey - Ruled out of World Cup opener Thomas Partey will play no part in Ghana's first World Cup game in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada, according to Dan Sheldon of The Athletic.

Impact Partey will be absent for Ghana's World Cup opener after his visa application was refused by the Canadian government, a significant blow that deprives the Black Stars of their most experienced midfielder. Elisha Owusu is among the candidates being considered as a possible replacement.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Logan Costa - Anchor in back line Costa has been named in Cape Verde's World Cup squad and is expected to be the most technically accomplished defensive option available to coach Bubista throughout the competition.

Impact Costa ended an extremely difficutl La Liga campaign at Villarreal with only two appearances due to a long term ACL injury. That said, he remains one of the most reliable and technically complete center-backs in Spanish football at just 24 years old. The Villarreal center-back brings elite La Liga experience, composure on the ball and the aerial ability that makes him the defensive anchor of Cape Verde's back line, and his previous performances in one of the world's toughest leagues give the Blue Sharks a world-class option at the back. Costa heads into the World Cup as the most high-profile defensive figure in a squad making history for the island nation.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Pape Gueye - Box-to-box force for Lions Gueye has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Pape Thiaw, arriving at the tournament after an impressive season with Villarreal...

Impact Gueye contributed five goals and two assists alongside 24 key passes and 40 tackles across 30 La Liga appearances this season, delivering one of the most productive campaigns of his career and establishing himself as one of the more complete box-to-box midfielders in the Spanish top flight. His combination of defensive intensity, creative output and direct goal threat from midfield makes him a genuinely versatile and dangerous option in Thiaw's system, and his La Liga experience against competitive European opposition gives him the tactical preparation needed to perform at the highest level. For Senegal, Gueye provides the midfield with the energy, leadership and goal-scoring threat needed to complement the more defensively minded profiles around him, and his consistent output throughout the season makes him one of the key figures in what promises to be an exciting Lions campaign at the tournament this summer.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Pepe - Experience in attack Pepe has been named in Ivory Coast's World Cup squad and is expected to provide manager Fae with an experienced and direct attacking option throughout the competition.

Impact Pepe ended the club season at Villarreal in La Liga, continuing to demonstrate the pace, directness and goal-scoring ability that has made him one of the most recognizable forwards in African football over the past decade. The 31-year-old scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions and his ability to come on and make an immediate impact makes him a valuable option when a game needs to be opened up. His experience at the very highest levels of European football gives him the credentials to deliver in big moments and he is heading into the World Cup motivated to show he still has the quality to perform at the international level and play a meaningful role for the Elephants.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE

Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Pérez is leaving after taking the modest Spanish club to its first final

Rayo Vallecano says coach Iñigo Pérez is stepping down two days after the modest Spanish club lost the Conference League final

MAY 29 • Associated Press

Arnau Tenas - Allows one in finale Tenas recorded three saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Tenas is ending his season on a relatively good note, as he would only allow a first-half goal while making three saves in the win. However, he ended his season without a clean sheet, making 10 appearances all season. He ends up allowing just over a goal per game, with 16 goals allowed and 30 saves this campaign.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Pepe - Two assists Sunday Pepe recorded two assists on two chances created in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Pepe started the final game of the season after a bench role in the last contest, using the time well as he earned two assists in the dominant win. That said, he ends the season with seven goal contributions in his final six appearances of the season. He thend completes the season with eight goals and eight assists in 36 appearances (26 starts), one of his best seasons since leaving Lille in 2019.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Pape Gueye - Bags goal Gueye scored one goal on two shots in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Gueye ended a nearly three-month scoring drought Sunday in the season finale, as the midfielder scored in the 45th minute of the contest. He then ended the season with five goals and two assists in his 30 appearances (26 starts) this campaign. This does top his debut season despite fewer appearances, recording four goal contributions in 34 appearances last campaign.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Georges Mikautadze - Finds back net Mikautadze scored one goal on three shots in Sunday's 5-1 win over Villarreal.

Impact Mikautadze ends the season with consecutive games with a goal, as he scored last appearance against Sevilla, then scored again Sunday in the 40th minute against Atletico. That said, he has three goal contributions in his last two appearances of the season. The forward ended a decent first season at Villarreal, recording 13 goals and six assists in 32 appearances (23 starts).

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Ayoze Perez - Three goal contributions Sunday Perez scored two goals on four shots and one assist on one chance created in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Perez ended the season off in a good way, as the attacker recorded a brace, scoring in the 34th and 54th minutes of the contest. However, that was not all, as he also added an assist, finding Georges Mikautadze in the 40th minute. He ended up with a decent season despite a lot of injuries, earning five goals and four assist sin 25 appearances (12 starts).

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Dani Parejo - Goal in final appearance Parejo scored one goal on one shot in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Parejo is likely to end his time with Villarreal after the 2025/26 season and ended it in a good way, as the midfielder scored the opener in the 30th minute from the penalty spot. He then wraps up the season with only the one goal standing as his lone goal contribution this campaign, earning it in 32 appearances (16 starts). The veteran's career is now in limbo, as he may find a new club, but at the age of 37, retirement is also an option.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Tajon Buchanan - Featuring for Canada Buchanan is set to serve and likely start for Canada at the 2026 World Cup.

Impact Buchanan is entering his second straight World Cup with Canada, as he has been called up for 2026, likely to earn a starting role yet again for the team. He will likely hold down the right flank of the midfield, although he is versatile and could give time in the middle or either flank of the attacking midfield. He is one of the few players on the squad who plays in a top-five league in Europe, so he will be a key player to the team, earning seven goals and one assist in 34 appearances (21 starts) with Villarreal this campaign. He will then be used as a pain playmaker on the flanks, partnering up with Alphonso Davies (hamstring) once fit, mainly used to set up Jonathan David and Cyle Larin up front.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Ramon Terrats - Returns to Villarreal Terrats will return to parent club Villarreal after his season-long loan at Espanyol, the club announced.

Impact Terrats made 29 La Liga appearances for the Catalans this season, contributing one goal and two assists as a primarily rotational option in the midfield. The midfielder lifelong Espanyol fan joined the club he supported since his youth and gave a solid account of himself in the top flight, though the club will not exercise their purchase option and he returns to Villarreal.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Carlos Romero - Signs contract extension until 2031 Romero has signed a contract extension with Villarreal until June 2031, two years beyond his previous deal, and will join the first team squad for the 2026/27 campaign after two su...

Impact Romero developed through Villarreal's academy before progressing through the B team in the second division, and his back-to-back seasons at Espanyol established him as one of the best defenders in La Liga, with his performances in the most recent campaign particularly standing out. Romero now returns to his parent club for what promises to be an exciting and demanding season in which Villarreal will compete in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. The club expressed their pride in securing the long-term future of one of the most promising products of their academy, with Romero set to add competition and quality to the first team defensive options heading into the new campaign.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Deportivo La Coruna returns to top tier in Spain after eight years

Former champion Deportivo La Coruna has made it back to the top tier of the Spanish league after an eight-year absence

MAY 24 • Associated Press

Gerard Moreno - Out Sunday Moreno (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Moreno is not with his teammates Sunday and will miss the final match of the season, as an undisclosed injury is too much to play through. This is a major loss for the club as they lose a forward, forcing Ayoze Perez and Georges Mikautadze to start at forward. Moreno ends his season with 10 goals on 39 shots in 22 appearances (16 starts) this season.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

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Rayo Vallecano coach Iñigo Pérez is leaving after taking the modest Spanish club to its first final

Deportivo La Coruna returns to top tier in Spain after eight years