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Diego ValeriArgentine footballer, attacking midfielder
Date of Birth: 01.05.1986
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Diego Valeri: A Renowned Argentine Maestro
- Injury Recovery and Championship Triumph
- Loan Stints and Portugal
- MLS Success with Portland Timbers
- International Career
- Achievements
Diego Valeri: A Renowned Argentine Maestro
Early Years and Lanús DebutDiego Valeri, an Argentine attacking midfielder, emerged from the academy of Lanús. On September 27, 2003, at the tender age of 18, he made his debut for the first team in the Argentine Primera against Vélez Sarsfield, where he promptly scored his maiden goal. He cemented his place in the starting lineup in subsequent seasons, until a devastating ACL injury in 2005 sidelined him.
Injury Recovery and Championship Triumph
In 2006, Valeri recovered from his injury and returned stronger than ever. A year later, he played a pivotal role in Lanús's Argentine Primera championship victory, providing 10 assists and scoring six goals in the campaign. Valeri's stellar performance piqued the interest of Inter Milan, who proposed a $8 million transfer that ultimately did not materialize.
Loan Stints and Portugal
On July 16, 2009, Valeri was loaned to Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto. He spent the second half of 2010 on loan at Spanish club Almería. In early 2011, Valeri returned to Lanús before venturing into Major League Soccer (MLS).
MLS Success with Portland Timbers
In January 2013, Valeri joined Portland Timbers on loan as a Designated Player. The club later acquired his contract in August of the same year. In the 2014 season, Valeri played for the MLS All-Stars in the match against Bayern Munich.
Valeri made significant contributions to Portland Timbers' MLS Cup triumph in 2015. His goal against Columbus Crew in the 27th second of the final on December 6 became the fastest goal in MLS Cup history. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the match. In the 2017 season, Valeri set an MLS record by scoring in nine consecutive games. He was subsequently crowned the league's Most Valuable Player.
International Career
Valeri has three international caps for the Argentina national team in friendlies played in 2011.
Achievements
Team- Lanús: Argentine Primera Championship (2007 Apertura)
- FC Porto: Portuguese Cup (2009/10), Portuguese Super Cup (2009)
- Portland Timbers: MLS Cup (2015)
Individual
- MLS Most Valuable Player (2017)
- MLS Best XI (2013, 2014, 2017)
- MLS Cup Most Valuable Player (2015)
- MLS All-Star (2014, 2016, 2017)
- MLS Newcomer of the Year (2013)
