José Luis Gayà celebrates six years since his LaLiga debut this Monday -the start of an excellent career to date in the Spanish top flight. Constantly evolving and maturing, the fullback is now a first team regular, captain and international for Spain. Talking with VCF Media, he lists his five most special games in the Primera División so far.

1. “My debut against Atletico Madrid at Mestalla is one of the most important games of my career.”  

VALENCIA CF 0–1 ATLETICO MADRID, APRIL 27TH, 2014.

Valencia CF didn’t manage to win, but their 2014 game against Atletico Madrid would go on to have huge importance. José Luis Gayà debuted for the first team in LaLiga and was not shy about trying to make an impact on the contest, recovering more balls than any other player and sending 7 crosses into the opposition box. Aged just 18, Gayà’s first experience of LaLiga saw him go up against his idol, David Villa, and opposition player Raúl García would wait for him in the tunnel to congratulate him for his showing. Gayà still keeps the shirt he wore that day as a memento.

2. “In the game against Córdoba CF at Mestalla, the feeling of the first goal is something you never forget.”

VALENCIA CF 3–0 CÓRDOBA CF, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2014.

Months on from his maiden LaLiga appearance, Gayà scored his first official goal in a Valencia CF shirt. A left footed strike to the back post on the overlap helped the club to a 3-0 victory, and put them top of the table five games into the season. Mestalla reacted with a roar of applause for the new sensation, wearing the number 31 shirt, as he opened his account.

3. “Qualifying for the Champions League against Almeria was tense until the end, with plenty of supporters making the trip.”

UD ALMERÍA 2–3 VALENCIA CF, MAY 23RD, 2015.

That same season, Gayà contributed to Valencia CF qualifying for the Champions League. On the final day of the 2014/15 campaign, they headed to the Juegos Mediterráneos to meet UD Almeria, knowing that three points would ensure them fourth place. Before the game, a large away support welcomed them to the ground, and by the end of the contest a dramatic 2-3 win gave Gayà the opportunity to play in the top European competition for the first time.

4. “The win over Sevilla at Mestalla was a game full of emotions. The team and fans were spectacular.”

VALENCIA CF 4–0 SEVILLA, OCTOBER 21ST, 2017.

A magnificent win over Sevilla FC had the air of something special about it from start to finish. Mestalla spurred the team on, from their arrival at the stadium until the final minute of added time. Gayà had an excellent performance, both in defence and on the attack, keeping marker Jesús Navas busy all throughout the match. Valencia CF won 4-0 through goals from Gonçalo Guedes (2), Simone Zaza and Santi Mina, giving them their best start in LaLiga since 1947/48.

3. “Beating Real Valladolid last season was very intense, with the satisfaction of achieving our objective.”

REAL VALLADOLID 0–2 VALENCIA CF, MAY 18TH, 2019.

On the final day of last season, Valencia CF had a mission on their hands. The stakes were high, with Champions League qualification at stake, but Gayà and the team rose to the occasion. A 0-2 win away to Valladolid was the finishing touch for a phenomenal turnaround to the campaign, in which they overcame a 10-point deficit at the end of the first half of the season to earn a spot in the Top 4. Gayà was in terrific form, and nearly provided an assist from a magnificent cross in for Rodrigo on 10 minutes.