Profil David Villa

Valencia striker Villa has worked his way to becoming one the Europe’s most dangerous strikers following a number of prolific seasons at both club and international level.

The 26-year-old – a reported transfer target of a number of top European sides – began his career at Sporting de Gijon, where his ability to hit the back of the net soon became apparent.

His quality earned him a transfer to Real Zaragoza, where he struck 17 goals in his first season – including the winner in a Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid.

Valencia then made their move for Villa, bringing him to the Mestalla in a deal worth �8.2million in the summer of 2005.

In the 2005/06 season he scored 25 goals in 35 league matches for Valencia, form which landed him an international call-up.

Villa, who plays off the defender’s shoulde, has continued to prove deadly in front of goal, netting seven goals in 11 Euro 2008 qualifiers.

He is Aragones’ first-choice striker, and will either play a lone role or be partnered by Fernando Torres, Raul Tamudo, or Fernando Morientes in attack.