The Best of Elche – Player Assessments Expanded

The Best of Elche

Elche’s lineup showcased a blend of steady defence and occasional attacking bursts, highlighting players who kept their shape and contributed in different phases of the match. The evaluation below focuses on individual performances, noting how each player fitted into the team’s overall plan and where they stood in the competitive context of the game.

Omar Mascarell (7). He stood out as a reliable defender, holding a central position with discipline and awareness. His ability to read the play allowed him to intercept passes and dispense the ball with precision, helping the team maintain possession under pressure. Mascarell’s influence extended beyond defense as he joined build-ups when space opened, contributing to the transition from defense to attack with thoughtful distribution.

Edgar Badia (5). In goal, his presence was steady but offered limited chances for the opposition to breach the net. He continued to guard the central area with a calm composure, aligning with the backline to stay compact. Badia’s communication and positioning helped organize the defensive unit, ensuring proper coverage across key zones and limiting risky plays from the attackers.

Helibelton Palacios (4). Despite hard work and resilience, Palacios faced strong competition. He tracked his mark relentlessly, made several sacrifices in duels, and repeatedly tried to shut down threats. Eventually, the forward pressure proved too much, and Palacios found himself outpaced at times as the opponents exploited gaps. Still, his effort and tactical discipline remained evident throughout the encounter.

Pedro Bigas (5). Bigas returned to form with a display that mixed courage and experience. He steadied the defensive line, won crucial duels, and linked effectively with Mascarell, occasionally stepping into attacking phases to support teammates. His leadership in defensive moments helped stabilize the shape and contribute to long balls and quick counters when opportunities appeared.

Carlos Clerc (5). Clerc faced a challenging assignment that required balancing a hybrid role between left-back and central defender. He followed his responsibilities with steady discipline, maintaining position when needed and pushing forward to support the attack on several occasions. His adaptability was a notable feature of his performance, even when the balance between defense and offense proved delicate.

John Chetauya (4). The return from an extended layoff showed in his rhythm. He initially settled in well, then his conditioning dipped as the match progressed. The affected pace coincided with the penalty situation that was canceled, influencing his overall impact on the game and leaving room for more minutes to regain peak form in subsequent fixtures.

Gerard Gumbau (4). Gumbau had moments when his set-piece delivery stood out, yet his defensive duties proved demanding. He faced challenges in shielding the back line and supporting teammates in wide zones, which limited his ability to contribute as effectively in the defensive phase as he would have liked.

Fidel Chavez (5). Chavez offered freedom in the midfield, making intelligent moves and distributing the ball with confidence. His ability to navigate tight spaces and create forward options added a creative layer to the team’s play. An injury during the match restricted his influence later, but his early contributions helped set the tempo for Elche’s build-up play.

Tete Morente (7). Morente’s performance combined goal threat with tenacity on the wing. His pace and willingness to cut inside created opportunities, and he opened the scoring with a well-timed finish. He remained active throughout, linking with teammates to maintain pressure and inject pace into opposing defenses.

Father Milla (4). With Boyé returning, Milla shifted to the right flank to bolster defensive support. His movement helped the defensive line stay compact, and his contribution was more about work rate and resilience than direct goal involvement, shaping the team’s structure during the match.

Lucas Boy (6). Boy demonstrated notable determination and presence on the field. He created two chances and showed a willingness to take risks for the team, chasing opportunities and pressing relentlessly. His effort and impact on the rhythm of play helped keep Elche competitive in the later stages.

Stand:

Lautaro Blanco (4). A focused center that required more from the moment, Blanco contributed with key passes and positioning, yet the effect was limited by the opponent’s defensive resilience. His role in the build-up remained important as the match evolved, and more sustained opportunities could benefit his rhythm in coming fixtures.

Diego Gonzalez (4). Gonzalez entered a challenging period with expectations to stabilize the midfield. He faced difficult phases, and his performance reflected the need for improved timing and control during transitions. His presence showed the team’s intent to maintain composure when the tempo rose.

Alex Collado (-). Time was limited, and his impact did not have the chance to unfold. The attention shifted toward ensuring squad balance for the closing stages, with a focus on preserving energy and readiness for upcoming fixtures.

Ezekiel Ponce (-). Similar to Collado, minutes were scarce, limiting his opportunity to influence the game. The team’s strategy remained focused on reinforcing midfield and defensive lines, preparing for future opportunities to deploy attacking subs more effectively.