The striker has now scored in four consecutive matches after returning to action two months later.
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There are few greater joys in Vila-real than being able to enjoy Gerard Moreno at his best again.
And there is little doubt that Villarreal are a different team whenever their captain and most influential attacking figure is fully fit. The Catalan striker found the net once more against Mallorca and once again became a decisive element in securing a league victory that keeps the Yellow Submarine in the upper half of the table and fuels hopes of fighting for European positions as the season progresses.
His return to form has transformed not only Villarreal’s attacking output but also the overall confidence of the squad. Gerard is more than just a goalscorer. He is a player who drops between the lines, links midfield and attack, creates passing lanes and frees up space for teammates like Sørloth, Morales or Baena to exploit. Villarreal’s attacking sequences look sharper, faster and more coordinated with him on the pitch. His presence alone forces defenders to adjust, creating new offensive dynamics that the team simply could not replicate during his absence.
Against Mallorca his influence was clear from the opening whistle. He moved with freedom, demanded the ball constantly and generated danger on almost every forward run. His goal, which opened the scoring, was a reminder of the qualities that have made him one of the most complete forwards in Spanish football. Intelligent movement, calm finishing and an impeccable sense of timing once again set the tone for Villarreal’s performance. With that strike he reached his fourth consecutive league match scoring, an achievement that highlights the extraordinary impact of his return.
These numbers carry even more weight when considering the challenges Gerard has faced over the past few seasons. Recurring muscle injuries have repeatedly interrupted his rhythm. He has endured long spells out of action and has often been forced to reappear cautiously, trying to build match fitness while avoiding further setbacks. For a player whose game relies heavily on sharpness, quick bursts of acceleration and precise timing, missing so many matches has been a constant battle. Each return has required patience, discipline and a strong mentality.
This latest comeback, after two months sidelined, is proving one of the most successful. He immediately rediscovered his scoring touch with a well taken goal against Valencia on matchday eleven, followed by a clinical finish at La Cerámica against Rayo, another away to Espanyol, and the most recent one at home to Mallorca. More than the goals themselves, it is the consistency and the level of influence that are convincing supporters that Gerard is once again approaching his best version.
Speaking after the match against Mallorca, he acknowledged that rebuilding his rhythm has been a gradual process, although the results speak for themselves. He emphasised the collective effort, praising the squad’s commitment and the positive environment within the dressing room. These comments reflect Gerard’s role not only as a goalscorer but as a leader whose presence inspires calm and unity across the team.
His four game scoring streak now places him on the verge of matching the best run of his career in La Liga. That personal record was set during the twenty two twenty three season, when he scored in five consecutive matches shortly after recovering from another injury. On that occasion he found the net against UD Las Palmas, Deportivo Alavés, hit a brace against Granada, scored once more at La Cerámica against Athletic Club and extended his run at the Metropolitano against Atlético. The parallels with his current form are striking and suggest that he may be entering another period of exceptional productivity.
For Villarreal this resurgence comes at a crucial moment. The club has experienced inconsistency earlier in the season, with defensive lapses and difficulties in maintaining leads. Gerard’s return has contributed to restoring balance. His goals help, but so does his ability to manage tempo, control possession and relieve pressure in difficult phases of matches. Younger players like Baena and Pino benefit enormously from playing alongside him, picking up movements, combinations and decision making patterns that elevate the entire attacking structure.
If he remains healthy, Gerard could be the key to pushing Villarreal back into the European race. His current form hints at a player who has rediscovered his confidence, his rhythm and his instinct. For the fans at La Cerámica, seeing their captain smiling, scoring and leading the team is one of the biggest reasons for optimism as the season enters its decisive months.
