Double fullback tactical switch pays dividends

Javi Gracia used one of the various tactical variations available to him in the game against Real Sociedad, as he fielded both José Luis Gayà and Toni Lato on the left side of the pitch. The two VCF Academy products overlapped frequently, taking it in turns to dart down the wing on the attack.

Lato was introduced in the 72nd minute as a substitute, coming on for Álex Blanco. Just three minutes later, Daniel Wass played a long ball upfield to Gayà, who had space on the flank to control and cross for Maxi Gómez to score.

Solid in defence and dangerous going forward, the use of the two players paid off for Gracia. The level of understanding between the pair is high, and with Lato effective in his first minutes of the season, the combination appears to be one that the coach can draw on in future games.