Ville Koski establishes himself as Quique’s key man at Alavés

Ville Koski has established himself as Quique Sánchez Flores’ key man at Alavés. A starter in every Liga match, the Finnish defender has seen his team keep a clean sheet in 50% of the games he has started since arriving in Spanish football. He also scored the 0-1 goal in Alavés’ 2-1 defeat to Racing de Santander.

Koski has made himself indispensable at the heart of the defence. Initially the final option in the defensive unit, he is now, alongside Tenaglia and Rebbach, one of the three outfield players to have started every match this season. His performances are among the factors behind Alavés’ qualitative step forward defensively.

The former Istra 1961 player joined the club in the last winter transfer window to reinforce a defence weakened by a lack of numbers. He arrived injured and did not make his first start until the penultimate matchday, against Barcelona. Despite his lack of playing time, he produced a strong display against the Liga champions and has not left the starting line-up since.

Already decisive in the two wins that secured survival at the end of the previous campaign, Koski is also proving important at the start of this season. His presence gives Alavés greater consistency, while his strength in aerial duels is especially valued by Quique in a defence that does not have much height.

The Finn has also not looked out of place when the coach pushes the defensive line higher, even though he is not a quick defender and can suffer when opponents get in behind him. He makes up for it with aggression and close physical marking designed to prevent his opponent from turning. Koski is more comfortable in the 5-3-2 deployed by the coach in most matches, with two other players alongside him in central defence.

With Koski in the starting line-up, Alavés have kept a clean sheet one time out of two. In five of his ten starts, Quique’s team have conceded no goals. After a difficult beginning, his adaptation to Spanish football is now a reality and his performances are becoming increasingly established.