Valentin Gomez is a young defender who has already left a mark on the football world, sharing his journey in an in-depth interview with Goal. Despite being just 19, he has experienced a rapid rise, debuting for Vélez on February 4 in a 2-0 loss to Huracán. Since then, he has grown steadily, reaching the Libertadores semi-finals and emerging as one of Argentina’s most promising talents, with expectations high for a move to Europe. The Vélez player opened up about his path and development in a candid conversation with Goal.
He joined Vélez at the age of ten, drawn by a family friend and World Cup champion in Vélez, Coio Almandoz. The friend encouraged him to try Vélez, and he followed that invitation. Gomez explains that his earliest role was in the left center position, and he gradually found his footing across the youth ranks. He played as a left-sided center-back in the ninth grade under Marcelo Bravo, continuing through the youth teams until seventh grade. The pause of the pandemic interrupted the momentum, but upon returning to the reserve team he moved back to center-back. He feels most comfortable in the center-back role, a position he grew into during the previous year, including time with coach Julio Vaccari in the reserve squad.
What keeps producing talent at Vélez, Gomez wonders aloud, is the people who guide players at every level. He credits the club with a strong culture that supports growth and character development from childhood. In his age group, he notes, the consistency in training and shared experience has made the path smoother, a factor that helps players transition to the first team when opportunities arise.
The question of whether it helps or hinders when many young players advance at once is answered with optimistic prudence. As long as players and coaches manage it well, Vélez benefits from a strong pipeline of talent in the reserves and below, sustaining a healthy balance across the squads.
Reflecting on his first-team debut in 2022 against Huracán, he recalls a meaningful moment he had envisioned since childhood. The chance to debut in the top division, especially for a club like Vélez, felt like a dream realized. Pellegrino’s advice at the time was practical and encouraging: play with calm, trust your abilities, and rely on the support of teammates. The transition from youth to senior football brought a mix of nerves and growing confidence, with Gomez noting that experience has helped him remain composed in high-stakes situations.
The evolution of his game has been notable. Beyond technical improvements, the pace of play, physical demands, and mental quickness have all accelerated. He acknowledges that daily polishing remains essential, but the progress is clear and meaningful.
Gomez often highlights a straightforward, aggressive style in defense, inspired by players he admires such as Sergio Ramos, Lisandro Martínez, and Cristian Romero. He envisions a defender who wins duels in the air and on the ground, distributes the ball effectively, and projects calm leadership when needed. Being left-footed is viewed as a potential asset in Argentina, where there are relatively few left-footed center-backs.
The Libertadores campaign stands out as a peak experience. Playing in the Libertadores on a Wednesday night represented a childhood dream realized, including the rare achievement of a season-long run that reached the semi-finals. The Boca Juniors series with River Plate was a standout, and Gomez describes how preparation and practice paid off in the decisive matches. He recalls the balance of discipline and execution that helped his team secure results, while acknowledging the inevitable tension of big occasions.
In their preparation for big matches, the team focused on compact defense and smart positioning. They worked on maintaining lines, pressing with purpose, and preventing dangerous passes that could unlock the defense. The 4-0 defeat to Flamengo remains a challenging memory, underscoring the difficulty of facing a flexible, skilled opponent and the mental and physical strain such games can impose. The staff emphasized resilience and learning from every phase of play.
When coach Gareca arrived, the message was clear: self-belief, positive energy, and a more collective approach. The emphasis shifted toward building connections in attack and maintaining high tempo, with the idea that sustained offensive pressure would drive success. The South American campaign, while not reaching the expected goals, offered a crucial lesson: results require consistent effort, and it is vital not to concede ground early or rely on a single moment of brilliance. The experience underscored that success comes from steady work, not just wearing the jersey.
The experience, Gomez emphasizes, has reinforced a simple truth: a team wins through a blend of trust, cooperation, and relentless effort. The journey continues to show that resilience, preparation, and the willingness to adapt are essential for a player who aims to stay at the highest level and one day follow the path toward Europe, where opportunities await for a defender who can protect the goal and contribute to the build-up with composure and poise. The story is still unfolding, and every match offers a new chapter in the ascent of a young talent who has already etched his name into the memories of Vélez fans and Argentine football alike. [Goal]