David Villa has been a catalyst of class for the MLS over the last 12 months. Leading the line, we caught up with NYCFC's history maker to get an exclusive behind the scenes look at two days of his life from training to match day.
David Villa is a talisman of creativity and quite simply one of those unique players who has the ability to turn nothing into something. Joining NYCFC last year, he was the club's first ever signing. Joining him at the NYCFC training pitch last week, we watched on as he laced up in his leather adidas X15 football boots - boots he's customised with the Spanish flag and his nickname 'El Guaje'.
A member of the exclusive elite, his free-thinking talent is unquestionable. Villa can control, create and finish with effortless power. The guy has been cooking in the MLS with 12 goals from 18 games. From the training ground the locker room, we were pitch side as NYCFC took to Yankee Stadium to go to battle against Kaka's Orlando City SC.
No better time to get a glimpse on the impact David Villa has made in New York. Equipped with the right tools, a sharp kit and a growing list of supporting stars, Villa scored twice in the game, as NYCFC won 5-3 - certainly not short of entertainment. This MLS game was played out by no less than 3 World Cup winners: Villa, Kaka and, of course, Andrea Pirlo. Take a look at the full gallery above. Formidable cool.
Photography: Nathan Congleton
