Carles Gil
Gil playing for Aston Villa in 2015
Personal information
Full name Carles Gil de Pareja Vicent[1]
Date of birth (1992-11-22) 22 November 1992 (age 31)[2]
Place of birth Valencia, Spain
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)[2]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team
 New England Revolution
Number 10
Youth career
1998–2009 Valencia
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2012 Valencia B 53 (5)
2012–2015 Valencia 8 (1)
2012–2014 → Elche (loan) 64 (5)
2015–2018 Aston Villa 28 (3)
2016–2018 → Deportivo La Coruña (loan) 33 (1)
2018–2019 Deportivo La Coruña 18 (0)
2019– New England Revolution 122 (28)
International career
2013 Spain U21 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 03:59, 16 July 2023 (UTC)

Carles Gil de Pareja Vicent (born 22 November 1992) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club New England Revolution, whom he captains.

He began his career at Valencia, playing mostly in their reserves and making his debut with the first team in 2014. He also spent two seasons on loan at Elche, winning promotion to La Liga in 2013. After a spell in the Premier League with Aston Villa and a return to Spain with Deportivo La Coruña, he signed for the New England Revolution.

Club career

Valencia

Born in Valencia, Valencian Community, Gil was a product of Valencia CF's youth system, having joined the club at the age of five.[3] He made his senior debut at only 17 with the reserves by playing one game in Segunda División B, being brought to the main squad for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 pre-seasons and scoring the third goal in the latter against SV Rödinghausen (4–0 away win).[4] Shortly after, he earned a professional contract until 2016.[5]

Gil was loaned to neighbouring Elche CF for the 2012–13 campaign.[6] He first played in Segunda División on 19 August 2012, starting in a home game against SD Ponferradina and netting in an eventual 4–2 win.[7] He scored in the following match, a 2–1 victory at Hércules CF.[8]

After being a very important attacking unit as the club returned to La Liga after nearly 25 years, Gil remained with Elche for 2013–14, still owned by the Che. He made his debut in the competition on 19 August 2013, in a 3–0 loss at Rayo Vallecano.[9]

Gil scored his first goal in the top flight on 1 March 2014, the game's only goal in a home win over RC Celta de Vigo.[10] He subsequently returned to Valencia, making his league debut on 29 August in a 3–0 home defeat of Málaga CF.[11]

Gil scored his first league goal for Valencia on 28 September 2014, contributing to a 1–1 away draw against Real Sociedad.[12]

Aston Villa

Gil joined Premier League side Aston Villa on 13 January 2015 for a fee in the region of £3.2 million, signing a four-and-a-half year deal and receiving the number 25 jersey.[13][14] He made his debut four days later, as a 59th-minute substitute for Ashley Westwood in a 0–2 home loss to Liverpool; despite the result, manager Paul Lambert described his performance as "as good a debut as I've seen".[15]

Gil made his first start on 25 January 2015 in an FA Cup tie against Bournemouth, scoring from the edge of the box to open a 2–1 victory.[16] Thirteen days later he contributed his first assist for the Villans, allowing Jores Okore to score through a close-range header in a 1–2 home defeat to Chelsea.[17]

Gil netted for the first time in the league on 13 September 2015, putting his team 2–0 up in an eventual 3–2 loss at Leicester City.[18] The following 2 January, away to Sunderland, he equalised with an aerial volley from compatriot Adama Traoré's cross, but in a 3–1 defeat against their relegation rivals.[19]

Deportivo

On 20 July 2016, Gil returned to his homeland's top flight, being loaned to Deportivo de La Coruña with an option to buy.[20] The following 12 July the move was extended for a further season, with an obligatory buyout clause included.[21] His team was eventually relegated, and he played only six minutes after the appointment of new coach Clarence Seedorf.[22]

New England Revolution

On 30 January 2019, Gil joined the New England Revolution as a Designated Player on a multi-year contract, for a club record transfer fee of $2 million.[23][24] He scored on his Major League Soccer debut on 2 March, the equaliser in a 1–1 draw at FC Dallas.[25]

Gil eventually became the Revs' captain and finished his first season with ten goals and 14 assists, helping lead the side to their first playoff appearance since 2015. His play earned him several awards, including MLS Newcomer of the Year and Midnight Riders Man of the Year.[26]

In the 2020 campaign, Gil played only 152 minutes by late October because of injuries.[27] He returned in time for the playoffs, scoring in wins over the Montreal Impact and Orlando City SC.[28][29] Having also assisted three goals in post-season, his contract option for the following year was exercised.[30]

Gil agreed to a further extension on 24 May 2021, until 2024; the deal increased his salary from $2.7 million to put him in the top 10 of the league's earners.[31] In that season, he helped the Massachusetts side to the first Supporters' Shield in their 26-year history, with three games to spare.[32] He finished as the assist leader with 18, winning the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award while the team set a new points record with 73.[33] The playoff campaign ended in the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a penalty shootout defeat to New York City FC after a 2–2 home draw; he scored with the first attempt.[34] On 7 December, he was named the league's Most Valuable Player.[35]

On 31 May 2023, Gil scored the second-fastest goal in Revolution history in the club's 3–3 draw against Atlanta United FC.[36] He was added to the roster for that year's MLS All-Star Game by coach Wayne Rooney.[37]

International career

On 30 August 2013, Julen Lopetegui named Gil in the Spanish under-21 squad for 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Austria and Albania.[38] He made his debut against the latter on 9 September, coming on as a second-half substitute and providing an assist for Jesé's final goal in a 4–0 win in Logroño.[39]

Personal life

Gil's younger brother, Ignacio, is also a footballer and an attacking midfielder. He also came through at Valencia, and the pair are teammates at New England.[40][41] He missed his sibling's MLS debut in September 2022 due to the birth of his first child, Marco Gil.[42][43]

Career statistics

As of match played 3 August 2023[44][45]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Valencia 2014–15 La Liga 8 1 3 0 — — — 11 1
Elche (loan) 2012–13 Segunda División 31 4 2 0 — — — 33 4
2013–14 La Liga 33 1 0 0 — — — 33 1
Total 64 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66 5
Aston Villa 2014–15 Premier League 5 0 2 1 0 0 — — 7 1
2015–16 23 2 3 0 1 0 — — 27 2
2016–17 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Total 28 2 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 34 3
Deportivo La Coruña (loan) 2016–17 La Liga 23 1 1 0 — — — 24 1
2017–18 10 0 1 0 — — — 11 0
Total 33 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 1
Deportivo La Coruña 2018–19 Segunda División 18 0 1 0 — — — 19 0
New England Revolution 2019 MLS 34 10 1 0 — — 1[a] 0 36 10
2020 6[b] 0 — — — 4[a] 2 10 2
2021 28 4 — — — 1[a] 0 29 4
2022 33 7 1 3 — 2[c] 0 — 36 10
2023 21 7 2 0 — — 3[d] 0 26 7
Total 122 28 4 3 0 0 2 0 9 2 137 33
Career total 273 37 17 4 1 0 2 0 9 2 302 43
  1. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs
  2. ^ Includes two appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in Leagues Cup

Honours

Elche

New England Revolution

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Player shirt numbers for 20 Barclays Premier League clubs released". Premier League. 8 August 2015. Archived from the original on 9 August 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Carles Gil: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Carles Gil says he's a little sad over Aston Villa transfer, but it's not their fault". Sporting Witness. 13 January 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  4. ^ "0–4: El Valencia no se despeina ante el Rödinghausen" [0–4: Valencia go for a walk in the park against Rödinghausen]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 22 July 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  5. ^ "El Valencia CF blinda a Carles Gil" [Valencia CF shield Carles Gil]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). 26 May 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  6. ^ "Carles Gil se suma al proyecto del Elche" [Carles Gil adds to Elche project] (in Spanish). Elche CF. 7 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  7. ^ "La pegada del Elche castiga a la Ponferradina" [Elche's power punishes Ponferradina]. Marca (in Spanish). 19 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  8. ^ "1–2: El Elche gana el derbi y se pone líder" [1–2: Elche win derby and reach first place]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 26 August 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  9. ^ "Rayo up and running". ESPN FC. 19 August 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  10. ^ "Elche 1–0 Celta Vigo: Carles Gil claims Elche the points from the bench". Inside Spanish Football. 1 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  11. ^ Bengoa, Javier (30 August 2014). "El Valencia se acuesta líder" [Valencia go to sleep as leaders]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  12. ^ Bengoa, Javier (29 September 2014). "El Valencia sufre y suma en Anoeta ante la Real Sociedad" [Valencia suffer and add at Anoeta against Real Sociedad]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  13. ^ "Breaking news: Midfielder Carles Gil signs for Villa". Aston Villa F.C. 13 January 2015. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  14. ^ "Aston Villa: Carles Gil joins from Valencia for £3.2m". BBC Sport. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  15. ^ Evans, Gregg (17 January 2015). "Aston Villa: Carles Gil's cameo was "as good a debut as I've seen" says Paul Lambert". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  16. ^ McNulty, Phil (25 January 2015). "Aston Villa 2–1 AFC Bournemouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  17. ^ Bevan, Chris (7 February 2015). "Aston Villa 1–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  18. ^ Cryer, Andy (13 September 2015). "Leicester City 3–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  19. ^ Young, Chris (2 January 2016). "Sunderland 3 Aston Villa 1: Jermain Defoe double secures priceless win". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 3 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  20. ^ Yordi, Juan (20 July 2016). "Carles Gil, nuevo refuerzo del Deportivo" [Carles Gil, new Deportivo addition]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  21. ^ Yordi, Juan (20 July 2017). "Carles Gil jugará en el Dépor hasta 2021" [Carles Gil will play at Dépor until 2021]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  22. ^ Dicken, Alex (30 April 2018). "Carles Gil's stint away from Aston Villa goes from bad to worse". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  23. ^ "After lengthy pursuit, Revs get their man in DP Carles Gil: "He's a creator"". New England Revolution. 30 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
  24. ^ Dell’Apa, Frank (30 January 2019). "Revolution make major acquisition in Spanish midfielder Carles Gil". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  25. ^ "Gil scores in MLS debut, Revolution tie FC Dallas 1–1". Fox Sports. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
  26. ^ Weitzer, Nate (16 October 2019). "Carles Gil wins MLS Newcomer of the Year award". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  27. ^ Bogert, Tom (22 October 2020). "Carles Gil is back in New England Revolution full training, not listed on injury report". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  28. ^ Stejskal, Sam (20 November 2020). "Carles Gil returns to great effect in Revs' MLS playoff win over Montreal". The Athletic. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  29. ^ "Bou scores twice, New England reaches MLS Eastern finals". Associated Press. 30 November 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  30. ^ Green, Dave (8 December 2020). "Revs make roster decisions ahead of 2021 MLS season". NBC Sports. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  31. ^ Dell'Apa, Frank (24 May 2021). "Revolution sign Carles Gil to contract extension that puts him among highest-paid players in MLS". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  32. ^ a b Le Miere, Jason (23 October 2021). "New England Revolution win 2021 MLS Supporters' Shield". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  33. ^ a b "New England Revolution's Carles Gil named MLS Comeback Player of the Year". Major League Soccer. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  34. ^ "New York City FC oust top-seeded New England Revolution in penalty shootout". ESPN. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  35. ^ "New England Revolution's Carles Gil wins MLS MVP". ESPN. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  36. ^ Bird, Hayden (1 June 2023). "3 takeaways from the Revolution's 3–3 thriller against Atlanta United". Boston.com. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  37. ^ McKenna, Greg (7 July 2023). "After surprising snub, Revolution's Carles Gil named to MLS All-Star Team". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  38. ^ "Carles Gil convocado para la sub 21" [Carles Gil called up to the under-21s]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). 30 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  39. ^ "Slick Spain leave Albania standing". UEFA. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  40. ^ García, Carlos (19 October 2012). "Apuesta de futuro por la familia Gil" [One for the future from the Gil family]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  41. ^ Dell'Apa, Frank (18 August 2022). "Revolution sign Carles Gil's younger brother Nacho". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  42. ^ Thompson, Rich (10 September 2022). "Revolution fall 2–1 at Red Bulls New York". Boston Herald. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  43. ^ Dell'Apa, Frank (17 February 2023). "Carles Gil expects Revolution to learn from and bounce back from season of adversity". Boston Globe. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  44. ^ Carles Gil at Soccerway
  45. ^ Carles Gil at ESPN FC
  46. ^ Marín, David (26 May 2013). "El Elche, campeón de Segunda" [Elche, Segunda champions]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 6 March 2019.
  47. ^ Boehm, Charles (16 October 2019). "New England Revolution's Carles Gil wins MLS Newcomer of the Year". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  48. ^ "MLS fact and record book". Major League Soccer. 2 January 2017. p. 163. Archived from the original on 16 July 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  49. ^ "New England Revolution star Carles Gil named MLS Player of the Month for June". Major League Soccer. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  50. ^ "Man of the Year Award". The Midnight Riders. 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  51. ^ "Carles Gil named 2021 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player". Major League Soccer. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  52. ^ "Updated 2022 MLS All-Star Team Roster". Major League Soccer. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  53. ^ "Carles Gil added to MLS All-Star team". CBS News. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  54. ^ Creditor, Avi (7 December 2021). "Revolution's Carles Gil Wins 2021 MLS MVP Award". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 8 December 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carles Gil.
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