BIOGRAPHY: Christian Oliva

Christian Oliva is Valencia CF’s third loan signing of the winter transfer window. The 24 year old, born in Ciudad del Plata, Uruguay, previously played for Nacional in his homeland -one of the country’s top teams. Strong in defence, aggressive, intense and with a talent for regaining the ball, the midfielder can also drive through the middle of the park with the ball at his feet.

Oliva is a tough and energetic player with a fast sprint, who moves into spaces quickly. Like fellow new arrivals Ferro and Patrick Cutrone, he bolsters the team’s options in the centre of the pitch.

Unlike other talents in Uruguay, Oliva did not make his debut at elite level as a teenager, but rather when into his twenties. After coming up through youth systems at Delta El Tigre, Bella Vista Montevideo and Club Nacional, his big break was given by coach Alexander ‘Cacique’ Medina at Nacional. and after a year with the senior team he impressed enough to be brought to Europe by Cagliari -first on loan, then on a permanent deal.

Now 24 years old, he has experience in competitions such as the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana and Italy’s Serie A, which has allowed him to adapt to a variety of styles and tactics.