Photo: Valencia C.F. Twitter

Valencia C.F. is one of the most storied soccer clubs in Spain. They have competed in the Champions League many times, and have won multiple La Liga titles. As they prepare for the new season, the Spanish giants are trying something a little unique.

Valencia have several accomplished players in their ranks, many of whom have competed for top honors and played for elite teams. Many of these players make up the core of the team

One of the stars of their team is Nani. The Portuguese winger has an impressive resume, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League title. He is close friends with the current Ballon d’or holder, Cristiano Ronaldo, and was a crucial part of Portugal’s 2016 European Championship win. Having played for Manchester United for years, Nani is a genuine world-class player and international superstar. In 25 appearances for Valencia last year, he played well, scoring five times and registering seven assists.

Another crucial part of their team is midfielder, Daniel Parejo. He started his career at the Real Madrid Academy, but quickly outgrew La Fábrica. After a quick stop in the Premier League, Parejo spent a season at Getafe C.F. before joining Valencia. Parejo went on to become a linchpin in the Valencia side, becoming the team Captain on his way to 199 appearances for the Spanish juggernaut.

Valencia are strong in the back as well. At center back, they can tout the talent of the Argentinian man mountain that is Ezequiel Garay. Standing six feet two inches tall, Garay is known for being a hard tackler and strong on the ball. He has played at the highest level in Argentina, Spain, and Portugal. He was also a fixture in the Argentina squad as they made their run to the World Cup Final in 2014, starting every game in the knockout rounds.

But what makes Valencia’s squad unique this year is that they are not relying entirely on experienced players. Parejo, Garay, and Nani are all over 28. Valencia will not be able to rely on these aging stars for long. The team's Manager, Marcelino García Toral, has a lot of young talent at his disposal, and brought many of his young stars on the team’s preseason tour.

Soccer is becoming a faster and more physical game. Valencia saw this change, and realized that they needed to adapt, starting to bring in pacey and strong players from their youth team.

One of these young stars is Carlos Soler, a player who has spent his entire career at Valencia and was promoted to the senior team last year. He went on to make 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals. At only 20 years old, Soler is already on the Spanish National Team radar, making an appearance for the U21 team last year.

Another young star is Toni Lato, a Spanish left back. A product of Valencia's youth system, Lato made 25 appearances for Valencia B before being called up to the senior team last year. At only 19, Lato has already made eight appearances for the senior team, and Los Che already see him as one of their top prospects.

Valencia Manager, Marcelino García Toral, will have his work cut out for him. Once a perennial top four team, Valencia finished outside of Champions League qualification last year. However, with a blend of youth and experience, Valencia is preparing to compete this upcoming season, as well as preparing for the future.

The Cosmos travel to Saskatchewan to face Valencia C.F. on Saturday, July 22.