Player Chelsea sold this summer scores huge Champions League goal to cap 7/10 display

A player Chelsea sold in the lead up to the new season has made his first big impact for his new club. The Blues had to sell a number of players during the summer to balance their spending amid a fine and the threat of a further fine from UEFA.

One of the more logical sales involved versatile defender Renato Veiga, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus after struggling for game time under Enzo Maresca.

Maresca initially spoke of his love for Veiga, saying early last season: “I just said to Renato, he has played already as a centre-back, a full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder. He has already played four or five positions. One of my first press conferences, I said that the reason why I really like and love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile.

“Today, in my idea, if they can play different positions, then it is better for the team and especially for the players. Today, if you just play one position, I don’t think it’s enough. You need to learn more positions. Renato, Malo [Gusto], they are playing in different positions and they are doing well.”

Veiga ultimately struggled for regular game time, and he was sent on loan to Juventus, where he impressed. Maresca might have preferred to welcome the five-time Portugal international back to Stamford Bridge, but his loan spell meant there was a good market for him, and Chelsea needed to sanction sales.

Villarreal came knocking ahead of their return to the Champions League, and they paid £26million upfront plus agreed to a 40% sell-on fee that will apply to any profit made on a future deal. Chelsea more than doubled their money from the initial deal, and they are likely to make more in the future, with Veiga only 22 years of age.

Veiga makes his big impression

Villarreal have had an excellent start to their La Liga season, currently third and only two points behind Real Madrid, who they play this weekend, in second. In the Champions League, the Yellow Submarine lost their opener to Tottenham despite being good value for a draw, and it looked as though they had lost again against Juventus in their second game.

Villarreal took the lead but after conceding an acrobatic equaliser, a big mistake from Dani Parejo, who provided the assist for the opener, gave away a second Juventus goal. The Yellow Submarine pressed hard for an equaliser and looked as though they had come up short until Veiga popped up with a powerful header from close range, turning home a corner to score his first for the club. The goal topped off a very strong performance from the 22-year-old.

Veiga has now made three La Liga appearances and two in the Champions League for Villarreal. He has a WhoScored average of 6.40 across all appearances, but his last two games have been by far his best.

Veiga was excellent in a win over Athletic Club over the weekend, and he was even better against Juventus. He racked up ratings of more than 7 for both of those fixtures, including a 7.16 against Juve.

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