Juan Valera (footballer) facts for kids
Juan Valera Espín (born on December 21, 1984) is a Spanish former professional football player. He used to play as a right-back (a defender on the right side of the field) or a right midfielder (a player who helps both defend and attack on the right side).
He played in 200 matches and scored eight goals in Spain's top football league, La Liga, over 11 seasons. During his career, he played for teams like Real Murcia, Atlético Madrid, Racing de Santander, and Getafe CF.
Valera playing with Getafe in 2013
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 December 1984 | ||
| Place of birth | Murcia, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.84 m | ||
| Playing position | Right-back, right midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2000–2002 | Bullense | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2002–2004 | Murcia B | ||
| 2003–2005 | Murcia | 48 | (3) |
| 2005–2011 | Atlético Madrid | 71 | (3) |
| 2008–2009 | → Racing Santander (loan) | 25 | (2) |
| 2011–2015 | Getafe | 94 | (3) |
| Total | 238 | (11) | |
| National team | |||
| 2006 | Spain U21 | 1 | (1) |
| 2005 | Spain U23 | 5 | (1) |
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Contents
Juan Valera's Club Career
Juan Valera was born in Murcia, Spain. He started his professional football journey at his hometown club, Real Murcia. He first played in La Liga during the 2003–04 season, appearing in ten games.
In the 2005–06 season, Valera moved to Atlético Madrid. His time there was sometimes difficult due to injuries. On February 25, 2006, he scored two goals as a substitute (a player who comes into the game to replace another) in a big 5–0 home win against Málaga CF.
Playing for Racing Santander
On September 1, 2008, Valera joined Racing de Santander on a one-year loan. A loan means a player temporarily plays for another team. On October 5, he scored his first goal for Racing. It was a last-minute goal that helped his team win 1–0 against CA Osasuna. He also scored in December during a UEFA Cup (now called the UEFA Europa League) group stage match against Manchester City. However, Racing lost that game 3–1.
Returning to Atlético Madrid
Valera returned to Atlético Madrid for the 2009–10 season. He faced some physical problems at first. Despite this, he played regularly for Atlético, appearing in more than 30 official matches. He mostly played as a right-back, competing for the position with other skilled players.
He played in seven games during Atlético's successful run in the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League. Atlético won this competition. Valera even played for one minute in the final match.
Time with Getafe CF
In August 2011, Valera left Atlético Madrid and signed with another top-division team, Getafe CF. In his first season (2011–12), he became the main right-back for Getafe.
He scored his first goal for Getafe on November 26, 2011. It was a header (a goal scored with the head) in the 67th minute against FC Barcelona. This goal was the only one in the game and gave FC Barcelona their first loss of the season.
In the second game of the 2012–13 season, Valera scored another important goal. Again, it was a header from a set piece (a play where the ball is put into play from a stopped position, like a free kick or corner kick). This goal helped Getafe draw level against Real Madrid. Getafe then went on to win the game 2–1 at home. On June 3, 2015, Valera left Getafe after his contract ended.
Football Achievements
Atlético Madrid
- UEFA Europa League: 2009–10 (Winner)
- Copa del Rey runner-up: 2009–10 (Second place)
Spain U23
- Mediterranean Games: 2005 (Gold Medal)
See also
In Spanish: Juan Valera Espín para niños
