Three reasons why Villarreal can challenge the big guns in La Liga

They’ve proved they can beat the best

Consistency was the issue for the Yellow Submarine last season. They endured defeats against lesser lights such as Alaves and Malaga. But at their best, Villarreal have proved they’re more than a match for the big guns.

They took four points off Atletico Madrid last term. In the process, they netted three of the mere 22 goals Atleti conceded during the campaign.

However, Villarreal’s most impressive result of the campaign came against Atletico’s city rivals. Calleja’s men pulled off a 1-0 victory at Santiago Bernabeu, with a late Pablo Fornals strike downing Real Madrid.

Having gone unbeaten against both Madrid sides last term, it’s clear that Villarreal can more than match every side in the division – aside from Barcelona. The issue now is showing that quality week in, week out.

They’ve improved under Calleja

Last season ended with a run into the Europa League knockouts, and a solid fifth-placed finish in La Liga. But things didn’t start out well. They lost three of the opening six league games, including a humiliating 4-0 mauling away to Getafe.

That proved the final straw for then-manager Fran Escriba, who was quickly replaced by Calleja. And things quickly improved.

Especially so on their travels. Having lost three of their four away games under Escriba, the Yellow Submarine went on to win six times on their travels – including wins at Valencia, Real Madrid and a thrilling 4-2 victory against Deportivo La Coruna.

He’s built a well-oiled system, with Villarreal generally adopting a 4-2-3-1 set-up, with Fornals and Samu Castillejo adding pace and creativity out wide.

Factor all that in, and there’s a strong chance they could break into the top three in the coming campaign.

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