Elche defensive evolution and Mascarell’s pivotal role

defensive problem

Elche’s season has unfolded with a revolving door of defensive options. From Francisco, Gallego, Almirón, Mantecón, Machín, to Beccacece, the choice of a reliable backline has repeatedly eluded the club. The inconsistencies at the back have frequently disrupted the balance of the pitch, particularly when the team tries to build from the rear and transition into attacking phases. The struggle to stabilize the defense has often left opposition teams with openings to exploit early and set the tone of matches. (Courtesy: Elche CF historical records)

Throughout the year, several players have filled the center of defense or drifted into the back four. Enzo Roco, John, Pedro Bigas, Diego González, Gonzalo Verdú, Lisandro Magallán, Helibelton Palacios, and even Carlos Clerc have worn that responsibility at different times. Omar Mascarell has also assumed a deeper role, tasked with lifting the ball and orchestrating play under the guidance of the new coach. He has become a central figure alongside Gerard Gumbau, forming the backbone of the midfield axis that supports the defense and links to the attack. (Courtesy: Elche CF tactical records)

Mascarell chases Lewandowski in the final Elche CF v FC Barcelona match AXEL ALVAREZ

new defensive strategy

Beccacece identified defensive vulnerabilities early in the campaign and set out a plan to address them. He examined every option available to strengthen Elche’s resilience and began to impose a new structural approach. The central axis of the team needed a revision, and Mascarell was chosen to anchor that reform. The coach has been clear that the evaluation cannot rest on past performances; instead, the focus is on the present and on building a system that can endure under pressure. (Courtesy: Beccacece interview log)

The Argentine manager has not favored dwelling on previous midfield roles when discussing Mascarell. He emphasizes responsibility for the current state of play rather than retrospective analysis. In his words, the responsibility lies with him to interpret ongoing dynamics and guide the squad accordingly. (Courtesy: Beccacece press remarks)

For Beccacece, Mascarell is a pivotal component of Elche’s new identity. “Omar behind gives us the ability to play, to dribble, or to execute those long switches from the back,” the coach noted. An example cited was a ball progression that led to Tete Morente’s goal against Osasuna, or a smart setup that Carmona used against Barcelona. (Courtesy: Beccacece coaching notes)

On the attacking side, Mascarell’s talent is widely recognized. While the team’s circumstances prevented others from reaching a consistent level, Mascarell’s contributions were already well known within Elche. Beccacece stresses that the Canary Islands-born midfielder’s defensive intelligence is crucial. He spots duels well and occupies space effectively, especially when the team adopts a low-block stance. This positional discipline helps the team absorb pressure and rebalance transitions. (Courtesy: Beccacece assessment)

In short, the coach believes that reassigning Mascarell’s role was not a surrender to past arrangements but a strategic move to harness his broader skill set. Mascarell is seen as more than a duty fulfilled; he is a dynamic player who can influence the game in multiple ways. (Courtesy: Coaching reflections)

alternatives and rotation

To maintain balance, another midfielder had to assume additional defensive duties when Mascarell moved forward. Carmona took that responsibility against Barcelona, while earlier matches featured John in similar duties. The coaching staff recognizes both players’ capabilities to adapt. Although Carmona is often seen in a wide role, he possesses the versatility to operate from inside the pitch when required. John brings similar experience from his time at Villarreal, contributing in this more central zone as well. (Courtesy: Match previews and squad notes)

The focus on ball possession reflects a broader tactical ambition. Beccacece wants Elche to command the ball more often. The most recent game saw Elche enjoy the highest share of possession this season, at least for the opening hour. The aim is to sustain that level of control, while acknowledging that the opponent will respond with resistance. Belief in the project is tied to gradual improvement and continued experimentation with personnel. (Courtesy: Post-match analysis)

The coach accepts the risks that accompany this approach but stresses patience. The team must measure the right moment to press and to hold possession, balancing assertiveness with caution as the new style takes shape. (Courtesy: Beccacece interview notes)

the path forward

With a clearer idea of the playing pattern, Beccacece begins another phase of training under the premise that Mascarell will stay central to the plan. It is understood that the immediate future will feature changes in the lineup as the coach tests options and continues to refine the way Elche preserves and uses the ball. For the upcoming Girona match, Mascarell remains a focal point, though a decision on whether to play Axel Werner in goal could determine the direction of the squad’s long-term plans. Edgar Badia is securing his position, yet competition remains open, and the coach may choose to experiment further to identify the best balance between solidity at the back and fluidity in attack. (Courtesy: Squad selection notes)

the reminder of the day against Girona

Analysts and supporters alike recall the performance that day, highlighting the players who have been part of Beccacece’s two-eleven setup. Bigas, Pere Milla, Tete Morente, Palacios, Gumbau, and Clerc were among those rotated through the lineup. The manager appears intent on granting minutes to all squad members to understand where each player can contribute most effectively. Competitive balance remains a guiding principle as the team navigates this transitional period. (Courtesy: match day reports)

numbers

Omar Mascarell, born in 1993 in Tegueste, Tenerife, trained as an attacking midfielder before joining Real Madrid’s youth system at age 16. He progressed to Castilla and later had loan spells in major European leagues. His journey included stints at Gijón, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Schalke 04. He remains under contract with Elche through 2025 and has appeared in 25 of 28 LaLiga matches this season, delivering 883 accurate passes and 143 recoveries, ranking among the league’s top performers in those categories. He also contributed an assist. The second most utilized player after the goalkeeper Edgar Badia, Mascarell’s presence has been central to the tactical evolution Beccacece seeks. He has previously occupied similar roles for other teams, including during his time with Elche. In September he missed a couple of days due to Achilles discomfort, and a separate match was missed due to yellow card accumulation. (Courtesy: player dossier and season statistics)”}{