David Albelda

David Albelda Aliqués s a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Valencia CF. His profile is that of a defensive midfielder. He played mainly for local Valencia during his extensive professional career, being team captain for over a decade and appearing in nearly 500 official games. Albelda started his career as a central defender with local UD Alzira and, after having served two separate loans with Villarreal CF, also in the region, returned for good to first professional club Valencia CF in the 1999–2000 season. Since the 2001 summer, with Gaizka Mendieta\'s departure, he was also awarded team captaincy. Since the 2001 summer, with Gaizka Mendieta\'s departure, he was also awarded team captaincy. For 2008–09 Albelda remained a regular fixture, alongside longtime central midfield teammate Rubén Baraja. On 10 January 2009 he delivered an outstanding performance at right back, replacing suspended Miguel in a 3–3 home derby against Villarreal. A Spanish international since 5 September 2001, in 2–0 away win against Liechtenstein for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Albelda was part of the Spanish squad in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. He also played in UEFA Euro 2004. In addition, he also won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and represented his nation in 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.