Nicolás Valentini has become the pillar of the Deportivo Alavés defense under the direction of Quique SánchezFlores. The Argentine centre-back, who arrived at the club last summer, has been gaining ground at the back and today occupies an essential place in the team. His adaptation to the League has been quick and constant, which has allowed him to impress both the fans and the coaching staff.
Valentini, 1.87m tall and skilled with his left hand, is characterized by his forcefulness in duels and his ability to dominate the area with strength and determination. He is not a defender who seeks exhibition, but rather focuses on effectiveness: he enters the clash with everything, protects the zone and makes life difficult for the opposing forwards. This practical attitude fits with Quique's plan, who prefers a three-center-back scheme and especially values the presence of Valentini in the left position of the defensive block. On that side, the player can take advantage of his left foot and better cover the areas he needs to cover when the opponent tries to overcome the defense.
The Argentine trained at his hometown club, Boca Juniors, where he made the first team and participated in the 2023 Copa Libertadores final. His time in Argentine football gave him a solid competitive base, which he complemented with a period in Italy, playing for Fiorentina and on loan at Hellas Verona. In the summer of 2024 he joined Alavés with a contract that runs until 2029, with the expectation that he will become a key player for the club's immediate future.
Despite the disappointing results that Alavés has suffered recently, the incorporation of Valentini and his consolidation in defense are seen as a long-term project. Coach Quique SánchezFlores has opted for a solid defensive approach, and the stability that Valentini brings is seen as a fundamental element in improving the team's performance in the second half of the season. With his presence, Alavés seeks to regain the strength it needs to compete in LaLiga and achieve its short and medium-term objectives.