The Sun Is Shining Over The Mestalla Once Again

Valencians certainly get their fair share of beautiful weather, but supporting Valencia in recent times has been nothing short of a torrential downpour. 

Since the arrival of Peter Lim the sense of optimism around the club has risen and fallen like the morning sun, but finally it seems as though a new dawn is rising over one of the most famous stadiums in Spain. After years of continued success, Los Che had lost it soul, some of it's greatest assets and became somewhat of a laughing stock, especially with the ill-fated appointment of the Neville brothers. 

But finally, there is something to smile about as Marcelino hauls Valencia from the doldrums towards the summit of La Liga with scintillating football that is sure to set pulses racing. The addition of Goncalo Guedes over the summer seems to be an inspired one, as the Portuguese is at the heart of almost all of the lightning quick counter attacks that are causing the opposition so many issues. His belting start to the campaign, Zaza's return from the wilderness and an inspired Rodrigo almost makes you grin when you think of the speed, power and finishing ability the trio have. That's not forgetting Santi Mina who continually proves his critics wrong and the mercurial partnership of Parejo and Kondogbia in the heart of the midfield. 

Having built a reputation for defensive solidity at cross-town rivals Villarreal, Marcelino has certainly steadied the ship of the port-dwellers, and their back line looks well-drilled and capable of playing out of all situations. Even from the back they have a clear sense of purpose coupled with a sharp, precise nature of build up that really accelerates towards the final third of the pitch. This is rip-roaring, balls-to-the-wall football at its brilliant best, especially on the counter. Finally, Valencia seem to have an identity again after years of being out of shape and it's so exciting.  

Of course, there have been signs of weakness as Real Betis battled back to score three quick goals in a frantic battle in Andalucia, but this young team look like they could be real contenders. Especially after picking up a respectable away point at the Champions, Real Madrid, and against a dangerous Real Sociedad side who look equally as exciting this season. This is a team that doesn't know when to back down, and clearly have been given a sense of purpose by a manager that believes in his players - especially those that are just emerging from the Cantera such as Carlos Soler who looks to be at the start of a glittering career. 

As Real Madrid stutter and stall their way through the opening stages of the season it is this young, ambitious outfit who are pushing Barcelona to the brink as they sit on the coat-tails of the Catalans with the real acid-test coming in a months time when they face Messi and Co. They needn't be scared as their sensational form at the start of the season demonstrates they certainly mean business, coupled with a 4-0 dismantling of an out-of-sorts Sevilla, Valencia certainly have the quality test the best teams at this time. 

Whilst the bitter taste of years of failure, financial ruin and false hope still linger long in the mouth, there is certainly a lot for Valencia fans to be positive about and when the sun shines 340 days a year, why not let it engulf you when the good times are calling, and boy they are this season.