Hugo Guillamón: Valencia's Blossoming Young Defender

Valencia is a bit of a paradox. From a particular perspective, it is a great place for youngsters to really find opportunities and minutes to develop properly. Conversely, it might be the worst place in Europe for a youngster, since they typically require a lot less chaos than usual so they can focus on their development. Unfortunately, asking for a Valencia without chaos is like asking for the sky to cheer up and stop being so blue. It is almost never happening. Valencia is the headquarters of dysfunction. 

One thing that is worth noting is that youngsters typically get their chance when chaos is loudest, when injuries or departures abound and when the club has no choice but to rely on them. This is almost always the case with Valencia on many occasions, as has been seen with the likes of Paco Alcácer, Carlos Soler, José Gayà and most recently Uroš Račić. That said, the club is also great at missing such opportunities. This season has been a comprehensive lesson in the art of missing the opportunity to blood a youngster that could define a generation - Lee Kang-in.

Now, away from the weekly debates over Kang-in and the excitement over the other incredible youngster Yunus Musah, it must be said that there has been a lot less talk about another solid young player - Hugo Guillamón. It was only last summer that fans were counting down the days until his contract would expire, wondering why the club even let things get to that point.

There was interest from other clubs, notably Barcelona, and the club eventually rallied to get him to sign a new deal, after dragging their feet. The fans heaved a sigh of relief, pleased that they were able to keep one young asset, at least, ahead of the exodus they were anticipating. After making his La Liga debut last season following an injury to Eliaquim Mangala, Guillamón looked set to become Valencia’s first homegrown rock-at-the-back since Raúl Albiol following a string of impressive performances that followed. As it is now, it just hasn’t happened yet for the 21-year old.