LIVE COVERAGE: Sydney FC v Melbourne City
For those that are unsure of who Villa is or haven't seen him play...this guide will get you bloody excited for his Australian debut tonight. His goal compilations below are simply stunning.
Name: David Villa Sanchez
Age: 32
Nationality: Spain
Place of Birth: Langreo, Spain
Height: 175cm
Position: Central or wide striker
Previous Clubs: Sporting Gijon, Zaragoza, Valencia, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid
Individual Achievements: Spanish Player of the Year (2005-06), Top scorer Euro 2008, Top scorer World Cup 2010, UEFA Team of the Year (2010), Spain's all-time leading goalscorer (59 goals)
Goalscoring Record: 213 goals in 435 games.
David Villa celebrating one of his 48 goals for Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona Photo: Getty Images
Club Honours:
- Zaragoza: Copa del Rey 2003-04
- Valencia: Copa del Rey 2007-08
- Barcelona: 2010-11 UEFA Champions League, 2011 UEFA Super Cup, 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, 2010-11 & 2012-13 La Liga, 2011-12 Copa del Rey
- Atletico Madrid: 2013-14 La Liga, 2013-14 UEFA Champions League runner-up
International Honours:
- Won the FIFA World Cup 2010
- Won the European Championships 2008
- Spain's all-time leading goalscorer (59 goals)
Why is Villa playing in the A-League?
It seems implausible that a world class player like Villa could find himself playing in the fledging A-League but the purchase of Melbourne Heart by the billion-dollar Abu Dhabi United Group opens up these opportunities.
After playing in the UEFA Champions League final for Atletico Madrid in May 2014, Villa was signed by new Major League Soccer franchise New York City (also owned by ADUG) to compete in the 2015 season.
With the MLS season still months away, ADUG arranged for their prized asset to join Melbourne City on a 10-game guest stint deal.
Villa will predominantly be using his stint in Australia to get prepared for next year's MLS season but seeing a player of his quality will be a treat to A-League fans.
What type of player is Villa?
The Spaniard is a low-centre-of-gravity striker who can play both centrally and out wide.
He has made a career out of lethal finishing but is also adept at ghosting past players with speed or quick feet.
Socceroos fans will remember the torrid time that Villa gave the Aussie defence when he came on for Spain in the second half of their 2014 FIFA World Cup clash.
His backheel goal against the Socceroos (pictured below) was a strike of pure class.
Spain's David Villa scores a backheel goal against Australia in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil Photo: Getty Images
What is Villa capable of in the A-League?
If he is committed and match fit, Villa could easily score a goal a game in his time here (maybe more).
Australian defenders aren't tradtionally blessed with pace; a limitation Villa can devastatingly exploit if used in the right way by Melbourne City.
Coach John Van't Schip is one of the best tactical managers in the league and you can bet he will have several plans to harness Villa's ability into results.
Where can I see highlights of Villa?
Right here.
Feast your eyes on the abilities of a player who we will be lucky to see in our competition over the next few months.