Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza becoming unlikely attacking star

Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza was not expecting to tear up trees in Galicia when he joined on a free two years ago, but after a strong season last year, has started off the season in fine fettle.

The 25-year-old became an unlikely creative outlet for Rafael Benitez and then more latterly Claudio Giraldez in the final third, finding a way to pick out teammates. Mingueza ranked 7th in La Liga last season for passes into the penalty area last season.

After just three games, granted he has an edge on several players due to games played, Mingueza leads Europe’s top five leagues for goals and assists, after two of each. His latest efforts against Villarreal saw him score a rasping free-kick from 30 yards in off the post, before crafting a lovely curling ball in for Carl Starfelt to equalise with in the 80th minute.

Giraldez has used Mingueza as both a left and a right wing-back, but both have proven successful. He is currently ranking in the top ten for touches, progressive passes, progressive passes received, passes into the area, and is outperforming his expected goals by 1.8, as per FBref.

The Catalan defender appears to have unlocked a new aspect to his game, and while it would be unfair to expect him to carry on at this rate, certainly Celta manager Giraldez will feel he can be an effective weapon this season. His vision and ball-striking have stood out for the past 12 months now.