Profile
Season stats
Full career & schedule →Domestic-league season · Valencia.
Performance data · by competition
| Competition | Apps | G | A | Min | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 La Liga | 37 | 3 | 6 | 2636 | 6.82 |
 Copa del Rey | 5 | 0 | 0 | 203 | 6.98 |
Scout report
Luis Rioja is a 32-year-old central midfielder at Valencia, enjoying a standout season — 3 goals and 6 assists in 37 appearances, a Season grade of 47, top 23% of La Liga central midfielders. On long-term scout potential he's rated 40.1, ranking 312th of 389 in the La Liga. A seasoned veteran, he has been a regular starter (79.2% of available minutes). His defensive output reads 1.84 tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90. Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Rioja.
Judged on this season alone, Rioja graded 47 — a strong campaign that ranks top 24% of the 73 central midfielders in the La Liga, on 3 goals, 6 assists and 1.844 defensive actions per 90.
Year-on-year, that's a clear step up on last season (Season 26 → 47). Across the 6 seasons we hold, it's his best return yet.
On long-term talent our Rating reads 40, 64th of 73 of the 73 central midfielders in the La Liga. At 32 Rioja is into the veteran stage, where the age curve weighs on the projection, and a market index of 17.7 reflects that trajectory.
A career still climbing — Rioja is at his peak right now, and the curve hasn't flattened.
Output in context · Valencia finished 9th of 20 · a mid-table side
1.84 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90 — light defensive volume, with 7 clean sheets across 37 appearances. Going forward he chipped in 3 goals and 6 assists — a useful bonus from the back.
Strengths
- Availability. On the pitch for 79.2% of available minutes — a dependable presence in the XI.
- Attacking threat. Chips in from deep: 0.31 goal involvements per 90, useful for a central midfielder.
- Pedigree. Performing in a top-tier setting (team strength 92/100).
Watch points
- Defensive numbers. Modest 1.84 defensive actions per 90 for the position.
- Age curve. At 32, both level and resale value are on the downslope.
- Level. Rates below a nailed-on top-tier starter on our model.
Outlook
With a Rating of 40.1, Rioja carries the 64th-highest potential of the central midfielders in the La Liga of 73. Defensively he reads as light defensive volume (1.84 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90), with a bit more on the ball than most in the role. Veteran phase — a short-term, lower-fee proposition as both level and value decline (0.8× and falling).
Generated from Field Insider's rating model · AI-written analysis to follow.
Transfer news
No transfer news found for this player.
