[Archived] Blackburn Sign Chilean Superstar Carlos Villanueva

[allanncd]

Villaneuva will be too lightweight and will need to spend 4 months in the gym as Pedersen did if he is to have any chance of making an impression. People on this board are totally underestimating the transition this guy will have to make in almost every facet of his life and playing style. Relying on this to replace Bentley's creativity is the equivalent of a paper parachute.

[daren]

Seems a little negative. While I might agree with some of that, anyone who has watched South American internationals can testify that the players get beaten around the place at times. Those boys can really play rough.

The real transition is the pace - many foreign players have said that it's the lack of that extra second on the ball that makes it difficult. His feet are quick, so hopefully his mind will be able to keep up.

Anyway, does anyone know what his status is? It's going to take time to return to fitness after chicken pox, and because it's so damn contagious he's no doubt in isolation - training is probably out. When do people think we'll have him available?

[DeadlyDirk]

I would expect him to take a little longer to get to full fitness, we'll probably see him come on from the bench in late August, early September, maybe even sooner, there's been little talk about him from the club itself.

In the LT recentley he was quoted as saying he has been training away from the squad though so he will have at least some fitness.

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport..._Rovers_set_up/

[Hughesy]

He trained all last week - im sure we will get to see him in a game sometime soon. It wont take him too long to adjust as he has a trickery to his game. His skills should be enough to allow him to make an impact without being on the very top of his game.

[rover6]

Villaneuva will be too lightweight and will need to spend 4 months in the gym as Pedersen did if he is to have any chance of making an impression. People on this board are totally underestimating the transition this guy will have to make in almost every facet of his life and playing style. Relying on this to replace Bentley's creativity is the equivalent of a paper parachute.

Isn't South American football very physical?

All players deserve transition time but I have a feeling that Villaneuva will show off his first tricky run and the rest will be plain-sailing. Hope so, anyway.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Villaneuva will be too lightweight and will need to spend 4 months in the gym as Pedersen did if he is to have any chance of making an impression. People on this board are totally underestimating the transition this guy will have to make in almost every facet of his life and playing style. Relying on this to replace Bentley's creativity is the equivalent of a paper parachute.

South American football is akin to kickboxing.

I know he has been training away from the squad, so don't worry, he isn't slobbing out and ringing Domino's every 10 minutes watching Corrie omnibuses.

[Bobby G]

Dont compare this guy to Pedersen or any other lightweight player. He has flair, dribbling skills, close range control, and trickery. That alone means he can come in with 10 - 15 minutes to go even and make an impace and he doesnt need to get used to the pace too quickly either.

How many players can we say have his trickery in the league? Tevez possibly, but its mostly pace and power for him. Zarate definitely had it whilst at Brum. Who else? I dont believe any players other than Latin players can have his "style".

[67splitscreen]

From what we have seen of him.

One thing is for sure, the ball is like glue to his feet, he has flair, skill, vision, and scores goals. Oh and is 5' nothing.

Defenders will be not be able to get near him, and when they do, free kicks, and penalties galore.

If he can reproduce, what he has in his homeland, he could be one of the best, if not the best since the days when KK took over.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Let's just wait and see what he's like for us before making out he's the next Maradona.

Fingers crossed he is though!

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

The way things are looking - I think Carlos will be allowed a free role behind Santa - with an athletic midfield to support. Puts a lot of pressure on him being a success - but I suppose it still allows a plan B of moving to a more standard 4-4-2.

[Veevs]

I am not sure about his strength on the ball but he will have stamina and trickery.. he lives up in the mountain regions of chile.. this improves your stamina (increased pressure on the lungs etc) by a hell of a margin..

Also he should be fit for the season.. the Chilean season was ongoing when we signed him... he just needs to recover from chicken pox <shrug>

I guess the nearest player the premiership have seen to him would be a Juninho type lad but with a little more staying power.. but at the same time we have not seen him play here and the league in chile is weak..

[blue and whites]

after what i have seen of him, he seem to be quite strong. god at getting his shoulder in front of the opposition.

anyway; does someone know if he will be able to play against everton? even train with the team?

[bonger 26]

anyone know if or when hes going to be in training with everybody else?

[my_name_is_Earl]

Just a little reminder for everybody feeling sad, we have signed Carlos Villanueva, Chilean player if the year. I don't know how many of you are excited about this throughout all the doom and gloom but we genuinely have an exciting talent. At a club like rovers, this guy could really step up to the plate and prove to be a real success story.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

anyone know if or when hes going to be in training with everybody else?

He's been training with them for a few days now.

[dr_awol]

He's been training with them for a few days now.

untill we get a bentley replacement, we will depend on this guy alot

[herbergeehh]

Ince said recently he hopes Villanueva can play a part against Everton, from what I read he will be on the bench - that's just my interpretation though.

I expect a fairly 'safe' eleven from Ince in his first game anyway, putting Villanueva straight in there would be a risk - and we wouldn't have him as a door opener later on either. Looking forward to seeing him play by all accounts, he looks exciting!

[neophox]

have anyone seen him in training for rovers? Im thrilled by this signing....

[Flopsy]

I think they'll be a little piece on Carlos in the Torygraph on Saturday

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

untill we get a bentley replacement, we will depend on this guy alot

At this moment in time - Carlos would appear to be the only glimmer of light for PI winning over the fans. From PI's point of view, Carlos not being available to play against Breda was a huge loss - as even a brief cameo could have got the doubters off his back. As you say - a lot rides on him being as good in the Premiership as he is on YouTube.

[Hughesy]

If he is as good as the Youtube clips show then its a case of Bentley Who? and Super Ince. If he is another Grabbi then oh dear!

If just hoping he is as tricky as he looked, he could be the match winner on saturday if so.

[Hughesy]

Looks like Carlos has been good in training and the Players seem excited by King Carlos.

Dunn in todays star - "If you ever saw the film teamwolf, you'll recall how Michael J Fox performed miracles on the basketball court when he was transformed into a werewolf. Lets hope Carlos can reproduce that"

[Manc Rover]

A mat eof mine has just come back from Chile and he bought me an Audax shirt with Villanueva on the back. I think i might have to wear it at Everton tomorrow!

[T4E]

Looks like Carlos has been good in training and the Players seem excited by King Carlos.

Dunn in todays star - "If you ever saw the film teamwolf, you'll recall how Michael J Fox performed miracles on the basketball court when he was transformed into a werewolf. Lets hope Carlos can reproduce that"

Dunny said that?!

[Hughesy]

Yeah - he must of been drinking again!