Film study: Álex Baena

You chose the Villarreal LCM, now read all about him

Some names just do not go away, and one of those names for me is Álex Baena. This is a player who’s been surfacing in my data-based lists since back when we were looking for Xhaka replacements. And he has only gotten better since then.

How did we get here? Baena placed third in my recent piece detailing the various attack-minded midfielders out there on the market. Arsenal, to my knowledge, have not been linked by anyone of merit. But you all, the readers, voted the Villarreal playmaker as the guy you’d most like to see on film next. So here’s everything you need to know about Baena on paper and video. Enjoy!

Baena is a third-year starter at El Submarino Amarillo, having broken into the first team in the 2022-2023 campaign. He’s been in their youth setup since age 10 and, aside from a loan to Girona for the 21-22 season, hasn’t played for another club.

Baena, 23, is also a full Spanish international, having gotten his first cap in August 2023. He’s in the current UEFA Nations League squad and also went to the Euros and won that tournament with Spain, though he only played 30 minutes.