beIN SPORTS

By David Cartlidge (@davidjaca)

When Éver Banega was bombed out to Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, few were skeptical about his chances of ever returning to Europe. It was January 2014, just over a year ago. His Valencia career was over, and there had been deemed to be too many incidents off the field occurring with the midfielder. 

Tonight, Banega’s back in Europe. He’ll be starting a Europa League final for Sevilla. It’s his first major final since moving to the continent in 2008, what now seems like a lifetime ago. Between then and now Banega’s career has been a source of frustration, disappointment - even anger.

The 26-year-old is one of a few midfielders in the world with a particularly skill set. He’s a rare quantity. There is the Argentinean factor too. Many still get doe-eyed at the thought of a diminutive, misunderstood genius roaming the fields of Europe. Never quite making it with the elite, but adored for their cult following. Look at Juan Roman Riquelme. While many disregarded his retirement as the ending of a career that never came to fruition, others saw him as a master of his art. The finest even, for some.

Then there is Juan Sebastián Verón, Pablo Aimar. Others that packed so much talented, but are still regarded to be some way off the elite midfielders in the modern age. Rightly or wrongly, they won't be discussed in the same breath as the Xavi's or Zinedine Zidane's.

It makes Banega’s career more interesting, given that he’s somewhere in between. Theoretically speaking he could still get there, maybe not the elite, but considerably better than what his career has amounted to so far. A few months of brilliance, the odd game here and there. Few midfielders approach the game quite like the Rosario born player. His ability to switch between the classic roles of a number ‘5’ and ’10’ allow him to conduct teams, and with subtle ease he can dictate when in the mood. More often than not this term he has been in the mood for Sevilla, hence their surge towards Champions League positons in La Liga and this Europa League final.

For €2.5m he has been a steal for Sevilla, one that Monchi, the Sporting Director, is immensely proud of. “In all my years, out of all my signings, Banega is the one with the most quality.” he remarked. Big words, Monchi has signed a lot of players. He had always held a dream of capturing Banega, and when that Newell’s loan came about he knew there was a chance of realizing it. Monchi spoke to Banega while he was playing in Argentina, and of course followed his movements. The ability was never in question, that needed no scouting, but the mentality did. 

At the price negotiated the risk was simply sporting, as opposed to economic. Valencia fans were understandably irked at the price, and that he was joining a direct rival. It seemed an odd move in the grand scheme of things, with the rivalry between the clubs beginning to bubble over in recent years. The player had his baggage; the car on fire, the handbrake incident; the alleged drinking, and Valencia had begun a new cycle, but it still didn’t sit right. André Gomes has arrived and been brilliant, while Enzo Pérez clearly has a lot more to offer. But there is still a "What if? about Banega at Mestalla. 

Those worst fears about Banega finding that focus have come true, and the player has encountered a new lease of life in Seville. Adding to the chagrin of Valencia fans, it's with former coach and still a scapegoat in some parts of Mestalla, Unai Emery. Banega’s a vital cog in the intricate works at Sevilla, performing many duties in his multi-functional midfield role. He’s adapted to Sevilla’s high speed system on the attacking transition, using the ball assertively without slowing down play, not becoming lost in the rapid counter attacks. If anything, he's helped them be more clinical. Then defensively he shares a good relationship with his midfield, dropping in to a deeper role when either of the double pivot's progresses in attack or covers the wide area with a full-back. Banega's a better tackler than people give him credit for too.

The classic Banega still remains of course. The ability on the ball, the timing and precision of his passes, the darts forward with the ball at his feet - dribbling like few in his position can to such a high level. He’s an organizer on the field first and foremost, something Emery continues to acknowledge with profound effect. That facet of his skillset should never be lost. It's there Banega can do the most damage. Unlocking a defence, gracefully moving beyond a midfield block. The focus is now purely on football, there are no stories of off-field calamities. The personal demons, at least for now, are at bay. Banega's greatest battle has always been with himself, not an opponent - it's one he seems to be winning, thankfully. 

A collective ethic has got Sevilla where they are today, but there is room still for an individual. Banega, despite his awareness of the team these days, is exactly that. He’s never been closer to playing at the level that’s always been expected than he is now.

Banega could still be the genius we all do understand.