Javi Varas

Sevilla

Born in Seville, Andalusia, Varas arrived at Sevilla aged 23 after having only played amateur football in his native region (although he had been bought by the club two years earlier). He spent his first three seasons with the B team, contributing 15 games in 2006–07 as they were promoted to Segunda División for the first time ever, and occasionally training with the main squad. After David Cobeño moved to Rayo Vallecano, Varas became Andrés Palop's backup, making his La Liga debut on 17 January 2009 in a 1–0 home win against Numancia. For a full month, following an injury to the latter in October, he was again called on for starting duties, only conceding once in four matches, in the 3–1 away victory over VfB Stuttgart for that campaign's UEFA Champions League. Varas became Sevilla's first choice midway through 2010–11, over the 37-year-old Palop. He appeared in 21 games as the side finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League. Under new manager Marcelino García Toral, Varas continued as a regular starter. On 22 October 2011, he put on a Player of the match performance against Barcelona, saving eight shots – including an injury-time penalty from Lionel Messi – in an eventual 0–0 away draw. Varas lost his importance in the following years, following the arrival of Portuguese Beto in January 2013. He made nine appearances as Sevilla won the 2013–14 Europa League, but was an unused substitute in the decisive match itself.

Valladolid

On 25…

Sevilla B

Segunda División B: 2006–07 Sevilla

Copa del Rey: 2009–10 UEFA Europa League: 2013–14