Javi Galán
CEL
Left Wingback
Overlapping Full Back
Nov 19, 1994 (31)
Left
5'8"
154 lb
Losing starting role at left wing-back
Galan has started in just three of Celta's seven league matches this season, and just once in the previous five.
Analysis: Galan started the first two league matches for Celta Vigo, but he has been in the XI in just one of Celta's next six games across all competitions. Even in the three starts, Galan hasn't played more than 65 minutes in any game this season. Hugo Alvarez and Sergio Carreira have started in the last two games, but even if this becomes a constant rotation, the lack of consistent playing time will hurt his fantasy stock.
Makes starting lineup
Galan (thigh) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: alan suffered a thigh injury in mid-July but gradually worked his way back to fitness and trained with the group for most of the past two weeks, earning an immediate starting role for Celta's league opener. He is expected to be the first-choice left wing-back but could still be rotated at times given Celta's tendency to change their lineup.
Available vs. Valencia
Galan (thigh) is in the squad for Saturday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: Galan has been training with the group for the better part of the last two weeks, and he's been included in the squad for this clash. The veteran should be an option on the left side of the defensive line, and if he's healthy enough, he could earn a starting role.
Returns to Celta Vigo through 2028
Galan signed with Celta Vigo through 2028, returning to his native region for a second spell at the club, the club announced.
Analysis: Galan made 79 official appearances during his first stint at Celta, establishing himself as one of the most reliable left-backs in the squad before joining Atletico Madrid for the 2023-24 season, where he gained experience in the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He subsequently had spells at Real Sociedad and Osasuna before returning to Celta for a new chapter at a club he knows intimately. Known for his ability to cover the entire flank, his attacking depth and his quality in one-on-one situations, Galan's precision in delivery and ability to exploit space make him a natural fit for coach Claudio Giraldez's system. His return reunites him with several former teammates including Iago Aspas, Sergio Carreira and Ivan Villar, which should ease his reintegration into a squad approaching the new season with considerable enthusiasm.
Whips in eight crosses
Galan recorded one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Getafe.
Analysis: Galan was back in a starting role Saturday after he was a bench option in the last contest, playing his typical role at left-back. He recorded a solid eight crosses from the flank, falling one short of his season-high for crosses in a game. The defender ends his campaign with a single assist to his name while also being involved in two clean sheets.
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