Vallejo at the double

Villareal attacker Manu Vallejo enjoyed another fine evening in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday as he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Racing Ferrol. The inside forward, who is currently on loan at the Castellón based club, had scored 5 in the previous round as his current side cruised into the second round with a 9-0 victory against San Isidro, and it was another impressive attacking display this time out as they made light work of Racing Ferrol, of the Segunda B. 23 year old Vallejo broke the deadlock 42 minutes in, as he fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot, before then claiming the goal of the game in first half stoppage time, a 23 yard screamer which flew in off the post. Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze added a third before Ferrol pulled one back just before the hour mark. Villarreal completed the victory with a fourth from former Leeds United and Real Betis wide man Alfonso Pedraza with 20 minutes to go.

Valencia boss Sie Barlow recently expressed his pleasure at the current performances being shown by the former Cádiz man. Valencia, currently top of La Liga, had originally agreed to let Vallejo go out in a bid to reduce the overall wage bill given the current financial situation at the club, with first team minutes likely to be limited at the Mestalla.

When asked how he envisaged his long-term development going, Barlow responded: “Manu is a fine footballer and he’s doing very well. It’s exactly the reason we loaned him out and we’re pleased with his progress” It is unsure whether Barlow’s comments mean he would have liked to have Vallejo available himself for selection, but no doubt he will be pleased with the development and performance level being shown, especially if the club are forced to cash in on the player at the end of the season.