Joan Capdevila

Joan Capdevila Méndez (born February 3, 1978 in Tàrrega, Lleida (province), Catalonia) is a Spain Association football who currently plays for Villarreal CF and Spain national football team.

Joan Capdevila usual position is Wingback, but Joan Capdevila is also capable of operating as a Winger (football) and, from a defensive position, often contributes with goals.

Club career

A product of RCD Espanyol's youth system, Capdevila made Joan Capdevila debut for the Catalonia side during La Liga 1998-99, in a 2–2 draw at Athletic de Bilbao, and joined Atlético de Madrid the following season.

After the colchoneros La Liga 1999-00, however, Joan Capdevila signed with Galicia, Spain side Deportivo de La Coruña in the summer of 2000, and would be a regular fixture in the team as left-back, first competing with Enrique Romero, then as the undisputed first-choice. On September 16, 2006, Joan Capdevila netted twice as Depor overcame Villarreal CF 2-0 at Riazor Stadium.

In La Liga 2007-08, Joan Capdevila joined Villarreal on a three-year deal,and played in all the league games except two, for a side that finished runner-up, achieving direct UEFA Champions League qualification.

International career

An Spain national football team since October 16, 2002 (Spain-Paraguay national football team, 0-0), Capdevila scored Joan Capdevila first goal for the nation in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying against Sweden national football team, on November 17, 2007 (3-0). Previously, Joan Capdevila made the nation's final squad for Euro 2004, but did not leave the bench.

On February 6, 2008, in Málaga, Capdevila scored the winning goal in Spain's 1-0 win against France national football team in an international friendly. Joan Capdevila was subsequently called up to Spain's squad for Euro 2008, where Joan Capdevila featured in all the matches save one for the eventual champions. Joan Capdevila clearance in the dying seconds against Sweden national football team was a crucial part of David Villa's late winner (2-1).

During the first game of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup on 14 June 2009, Capdevilla set up Fernando Torres's third goal of Joan Capdevila hat-trick, and also assist (football) for Cesc Fàbregas's second international goal, as Spain thrashed New Zealand national football team 5-0. In fact, all five goals were created from the left wing, with Capdevila playing a crucial part in the Spanish attack.In the second game against Iraq national football team three days later, Joan Capdevila assisted Villa's 55th-minute goal, the only one in the entire match. Joan Capdevila started in four of Spain's five matches and helped keep clean sheets during the group stages. He, Carles Puyol, Villa and Torres were named in the team of the tournament.

Honours

Domestic

- Deportivo de La Coruña:
- - Copa del Rey: 2001-02
- - Supercopa de España: 2000, 2002

International

- UEFA European Football Championship: UEFA Euro 2008