THREAD: Finding Valencia their next Dani Parejo

(Data Sources: FBRef/StatsBomb, WhoScored, Understat)

RTs appreciated!

This summer, Valencia supporters experienced disappointment after disappointment. The failure of club owner Peter Lim in footballing and financial regards was epitomized by the departure of Dani Parejo, a club legend. The 31-year-old had to leave alongside many others.

Unsurprisingly, Valencia look less inspired without Parejo who was the team's most vital cog, both defensively and in possession. But how exactly did Parejo contribute to Valencia's play?

His profile might not seem extraordinary but given Valencia's pragmatic approach, Parejo's passing brillance stands out. Besides those stats, the Spaniard also completed 1.79 Key Passes p90 and 7.49 Progressive Passes p90. Impressive numbers and a joy to watch.

So, the successor of Parejo should approximately meet the following criteria:
- 0.1 xA p90
- 1.2 Succ. Dribbles p90
- 2.5 Fouls Won p90
- 18 Pressures p90
- 4 PAdj Tackles & Interceptions p90
whilst also matching non-metric aspects of Parejo's play.

Unfortunately, Valencia's humble budget doesn't allow Los Murciélagos to purchase high-class options which include the likes of Fabián Ruiz, Piotr Zielinski, Dani Ceballos and Florian Neuhaus. All of them fit as players but are out of Valencia's financial reach.

Nonetheless, I also found fitting players with lower price tags and hopefully, Valencia manage to replace Parejo on the pitch though his legacy will remain unmatched.
This is my top five:

Edu Expósito (SD Eibar):
A great option if Valencia aim to retain pressing intensity, Expósito is one of Eibar's most gifted players. Only 24 years old, he would also be a long-term signing.

Carles Aleñá (FC Barcelona):
Admittedly, the sample size is rather small and Aleñá is a raw player but if you've watched him occasionally, you know that he's a great prospect. Rather a ball carrier, a move to Valencia might be a shout if he doesn't get minutes at Barca.

Marko Grujic (Hertha BSC):
Having recently moved to Porto, Marko Grujic is a rather underrated talent. Still just 24, he is destined to return to one of Europe's top five leagues soon, providing both intelligence and physicality.

Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo Calcio):
Already a top player, Locatelli might be too costly for Valencia but I just had to include him. Versatile, smart and technically gifted, the 22-year-old is capable of becoming an excellent midfielder.

Victor Camarasa (Deportivo Alavés):
Perhaps a little bit underrated, Victor Camarasa has been very decent for Alavés since last season. Reliable on the ball and a very tenacious presser, he is definitely affordable for Valencia.

Thanks for reading!