Xanet puts on weight in Quique's plans for Getafe

Deportivo Alavés

The defence conditions much of the plan for the Alavés ahead of tomorrow's game. Valentini will not be able to make his debut yet due to suspension, Koski is the only specialist centre-back available and Tenaglia would return to play in the heart of a back three with two full-backs. In that scenario, Xanet emerges as a real alternative to complete the defence.

The departure of Parada and the situation of Diarra, who is not in the plans of the Azulones' coach, also work in favour of the Gipuzkoan defender. It would not be his first official match with the first team, as last season he had minutes in the Copa against Portugalete, when he came on in the closing stages for Yusi. After that, he was part of the league matchday squads against Osasuna and Villarreal.

A progression that brings him closer to the elite

Xanet's growth over the last few months has strengthened the coaching staff's confidence. His performances in pre-season have built on what he was already showing with the reserves, where he finished last campaign as an important piece for Casas.

Sánchez Flores particularly values his profile as a left-sided centre-back, although he also does not rule out using his resources to play as a full-back. His ball-playing ability, the calmness he shows on the ball and his physical response in duels have helped him gain presence despite being 21 years old. He also offers arguments in set-piece situations.

The club moved in April to renew his contract until 2028. Xanet's deal was due to expire in June and the Deportivo Alavés decided to extend his stay after a season in which he played 33 matches, including the promotion phase games against Real Jaén.

He arrived in Vitoria in the summer of 2019 and has been progressing step by step, from the youth ranks to establishing himself in 2ª RFEF. Now the chance has opened up for him to make his debut in LaLiga with the first team against Getafe, a fixture that could affect his continuity over these early weeks, up to the end of the transfer window and even until November due to Garcés' suspension.

During the week, he will continue training regularly with the group he has worked with this summer. Quique Sánchez Flores's 5-3-2 system opens up another route for him to put forward his case in a position where the team needs immediate solutions.