Javier Paredes

Early career and Getafe

Paredes was born in Oviedo, Asturias. After starting out at his hometown club Real Oviedo and being relegated from Segunda División in the 2002–03 season, he left for two additional campaigns with Real Madrid's reserves, who competed in the Segunda División B; he made two appearances in the Copa del Rey with the latter's first team. In 2005–06, Paredes joined Getafe CF also in the Madrid area, and made his official – and La Liga – debut on 28 August 2005, in a 2–0 away win against Real Sociedad. He appeared in only seven games that season, barred by Mariano Pernía, but would be the undisputed starter in the following after the Argentine left for Atlético Madrid.

Zaragoza

Paredes signed with Aragon's Real Zaragoza for 2007–08, agreeing to a five-year contract. Initially backing up Juanfran, he finished as first-choice as the team eventually got relegated; he started again the following campaign, helping to an immediate promotion. Pushed by newly arrived Ivan Obradović, Paredes played just 20 league matches in 2009–10, but was still the most utilised left-back to help his side to retain their top-division status. In the summer, he was deemed surplus to requirements by manager José Aurelio Gay, being limited to training. In early September 2010, both got involved in a serious argument in training that nearly evolved to a physical confrontation; subsequently, the player was suspended, being reinstated – and inserted in the starting XI –…