Alex Freeman scores first La Liga goal in Villarreal comeback at Valencia

Alex Freeman scored his first La Liga goal as Villarreal came from behind to beat Valencia on Saturday, with the United States international playing three different roles during the regional derby. According to The Guardian, Freeman was named man of the match after scoring the equaliser in a game Villarreal eventually won despite having a player sent off.

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Freeman began at left-back, away from his usual position on the right, and created two chances before Valencia went ahead through a penalty. His appearance followed a substitute outing in Villarreal's midweek Champions League defeat by Liverpool. Against Valencia, he stayed involved as his team sought a way back into the game after conceding the opening goal.

Changes around the 65th minute moved Freeman to right-back, with the departure of a right-sided midfielder giving him responsibility for providing width. Four minutes later, Villarreal attacked down the left and delivered a cross to him just inside the penalty area. He finished through a crowded defence to bring the visitors level, marking his first goal in Spain's top division.

Coach Iñigo Pérez subsequently brought on another defender and shifted Freeman again, this time into right midfield. Freeman was not directly involved in the late winning goal, The Guardian reported, but continued his run on the right while Villarreal developed the decisive attack elsewhere. He finished a match in which his assignments had changed from one defensive flank to the other and then further forward.

Pérez praised Freeman's versatility afterwards, describing him as capable of playing across the defence and in more advanced wide roles. The coach said that range, alongside Freeman's technical ability and composure, gave him confidence to use the American in different positions. He also stressed the importance of the full-backs available to him in implementing his approach to the game.

The milestone came less than a year after Freeman left Orlando City for Villarreal on 29 January. The Guardian reported that the transfer involved an initial fee of $4 million. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has also praised Freeman's potential, having highlighted his willingness to listen and learn after he scored against Australia in a World Cup group-stage win on 19 June.