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Deportivo Alavés are not a big name in Spain, but the Basque team has made many memorable impressions, especially the journey to the UEFA Cup final in 2000/01. In the betting world, clubs like Alavés are often underestimated in terms of winning rate. However, with excellent players who have left a deep mark on the club's history, bettors can exploit factors such as individual form, goal odds, or head-to-head odds. Below Win Tips shares 7 Alaves best players, each of whom is a valuable suggestion if you understand their role in specific matches.
7 Alaves best players in club history
Here is a list of the 7 best players in Deportivo Alavés history, who not only left a deep mark on the pitch but also contributed to creating the identity and golden moments of the Basque team.
Top 7: Javi López
Javi López is one of the most outstanding and influential players in the history of Deportivo Alavés, especially in the early 2000s – the golden period of the club. He played in the left-back position, standing out with his solid defensive ability combined with his enthusiasm in supporting the attack. Javi López played an important role in Alavés' impressive achievements such as reaching the UEFA Cup final in the 2000/01 season – an unprecedented milestone for the Basque team. With his stable playing style, determined fighting spirit and excellent teamwork, he became an indispensable pillar in the Alavés squad for many seasons.
Not only is Javi López an excellent player, he is also a symbol of loyalty and long-term commitment to the club. He represented Alavés for the majority of his career, appearing in over 200 matches in La Liga and international competitions. His tenacity and tireless fighting spirit inspired the team and the fans, helping to create a strong identity for Alavés. In a team that often faced challenges from bigger clubs, Javi López’s excellence was pivotal in Alavés maintaining its position and making a deep mark in the history of Spanish football.
Top 6: Delfí Geli
Delfí Geli was one of the most reliable right-backs in La Liga and chose Alavés as his final destination late in his career. During the remarkable 2000/01 season, Geli played a key role in the solid defensive system while effectively supporting right-wing attacks. Despite an unfortunate own goal in the UEFA Cup final against Liverpool, Geli is recognized as an experienced player who contributed significantly on the tactical side.
For bettors, Geli represents defensive players who strongly influence total goal markets, especially when facing strong teams. During his time, Alavés often maintained balance on both flanks, reducing opponents’ effectiveness on wing attacks which supports bets like under corners or no goals in the first half. Geli exemplifies how defensive players can deeply affect the “hidden” aspects of betting markets.
Top 5: Martín Astudillo
Martín Astudillo holds the record for most appearances in the club’s history, with 308 matches. The Argentine midfielder was an indispensable link in Alavés’ midfield for over a decade. He controlled the game’s rhythm, was a powerful ball-winner, and had excellent field vision. During the UEFA Cup run, Astudillo played a full defensive midfield role, helping relieve pressure on the defense and supporting quick counterattacks effectively.
From a betting perspective, Astudillo is a key figure for analyzing tight midfield battles. Matches featuring him often had a slower tempo and were hard to break open making under bets in the first half or full match more likely to succeed. Moreover, Astudillo represents players who may not have flashy stats but have a deep tactical impact a factor professional bettors carefully study for accurate predictions.
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Top 4: Víctor Laguardia
Joining in 2014, Víctor Laguardia quickly became Alavés’ most reliable defensive anchor, playing a major role in the club’s promotion in 2016 and maintaining their La Liga status for several years. With over 280 appearances, he ranks among the club’s most capped players. Laguardia is known for his strong game-reading ability, physical toughness, and clear leadership in defense. He symbolizes the stability and resilience of modern-day Alavés.
From a betting angle, Laguardia is a key factor when analyzing Alavés’ clean sheets or low handicap bets. In seasons where Alavés avoided relegation, he often helped the team win close matches, making bets like Alavés +0.5 or +1 a reasonable choice. While bookmakers often underestimate the defensive capabilities of weaker teams, those who understand Laguardia’s influence can exploit this by betting on underdog or low-scoring markets with great efficiency.
Top 3: Antonio Karmona
Antonio Karmona was Alavés’ captain during their golden early 2000s era, most notably in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup campaign. As a tough defender, he played a central role in the team’s disciplined and resilient defensive system. He was the driving force behind the team’s journey to the final after overcoming many tough challenges. His passionate fighting spirit, absolute loyalty, and ability to organize the defense made him a true leader both on and off the pitch.
For bettors, Karmona represents matches rich in tactical elements where bets like under 2.5 goals or Alavés clean sheets are worth considering. Under his leadership, Alavés often played very solidly, especially in big games, making over bets more risky. When reviewing historical head-to-head data, Alavés’ games during Karmona’s time tended to be tight, providing valuable information for those who favor accurate low-scoring score predictions.
Top 2: Joselu
Joining Alavés in 2019, Joselu quickly proved his worth as the main striker during the team’s struggle in the relegation zone. Especially in the 2021/22 season, he scored 14 goals nearly half of the team’s total in La Liga. Despite Alavés’ relegation, Joselu was the biggest bright spot, known for his strong aerial ability, clinical finishing, and constant presence in the box. He was more than a striker; he carried the responsibility of rescuing the team in critical moments.
For bettors, Joselu is a familiar name in markets like anytime goalscorer or whether Alavés will score, as he is almost the only player who can make a difference. In tense matches, especially when betting on underdogs, choosing Joselu as the goalscorer can bring high returns since bookmakers tend to underestimate Alavés’ scoring chances. His consistency and resilience make Joselu a “safe bet” in personal betting analyses during the club’s tough seasons.
Top 1:Javi Moreno
Javi Moreno is the first name that comes to mind when discussing Alavés’ glorious history. In the 2000/01 season, he scored 22 league goals and added 7 more in the UEFA Cup, leading the team to the European final. Moreno’s brilliant form helped Alavés overcome major teams like Inter Milan and Kaiserslautern, making him the most reliable striker the club has ever had. His long-range shots, positioning, and counterattack speed made him a constant threat for any defense.
For bettors, Javi Moreno is a prime example of a “value bet” striker in markets such as first goalscorer or over 2.5 total goals in big matches. Although Alavés’ golden era was brief, those who bet on their 2001 UEFA Cup run saw Moreno as a source of surprising profits. When analyzing historically impactful scorers for the club, Moreno stands out as a player who could change the outcome of European bets in a single season.
Conclusion
Although not a big name in La Liga, Deportivo Alavés still possesses resilient and influential players, creating a distinct identity for the Basque team. In the betting context, understanding the roles and contributions of Alaves best players such as Javi Moreno, Joselu or Laguardia not only helps players gain more tactical perspective, but also brings advantages when analyzing odds based on historical form, scoring trends or the team's playing style. Recognizing the potential value of such key players will be the key to maximizing betting opportunities every time Alavés is on the pitch.
