Bending in a wonderfully struck free kick in what was an otherwise underwhelming performance against San Martín de Formosa in the Copa Argentina was perhaps the perfect way for Paraguayan midfielder Víctor Ayala to sign off after four years with recent Argentine champions Lanús.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr had already agreed the deal to bring the 28-year-old to Riyadh and despite it not being the big European move that all South American footballers crave, at this point in Ayala’s career it appears to be a transfer that suits all parties.
In the wake of helping El Granate through to the next round of the cup, an emotional Ayala told reporters: “It was a nice farewell to have scored a goal and helped the team. I want to thank the club for the faith it had in me. I spent four very happy years here and I’m leaving with two titles. I think I did good things and this is a big step in my career. It will be difficult to forget these people.”
Having played a significant role in one of the most successful periods in Lanús’ history, Ayala’s thunderous strikes and energetic performances in midfield will be remembered fondly by supporters.
As a youngster progressing with Paraguayan club Libertad, Ayala had already caused a buzz courtesy of his fierce right boot in the Copa Libertadores, when Lanús swooped in 2012.
It was considered something of a coup for a side outside one of Argentina’s traditional powerhouses and then manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto immediately made Ayala one of the first names on his teamsheet.
This proved entirely justified with Ayala providing dynamism to the centre of the pitch, matching lung busting box-to-box performances with consistently threatening set pieces.
Ayala’s instant success was capped with a vital goal in the 2013 Copa Sudamericana final second leg against Brazilian club Ponte Preta, effectively handing Lanús the trophy. Although his influence on the side gradually diminished, particularly since Barros Schelotto left the club, the Paraguayan has still had a major impact.
Under Jorge Almirón in 2016, Lanús enjoyed arguably their best ever campaign as they swept to the Transición title in style.
The emergence of fellow Paraguayan Miguel Almirón and the return to the club of Román Martínez meant Ayala often had to settle for a place among the substitutes as it was deemed that perhaps Vic simply didn’t offer enough over the entire 90 minutes.
Regardless of his inconsistencies, Ayala remains always capable of the spectacular and he proved this to devastating effect at a crucial point in the title race when he blasted in a goal from 40 yards against bitter local rivals Banfield. The goal will live long in the memory of Lanús supporters not only for its savage beauty but for its role in edging El Granate towards the title.
Internationally, Ayala has mirrored his club form and as a result is something of a divisive character who has failed to hold a place down. His thunderous strike in the recent Copa América, a first goal for Paraguay, doesn’t cover the fact that for many compatriots his inability to go past a man hinders the fluidity of their attack.
However, as Paraguayan football writer Ralph Hannah noted, perhaps for a national side with a tradition of ‘Centra, Cabeza y Gol’ (Cross, Head and Goal) a player with as good a delivery as Ayala should be valued far higher.
Ultimately these flaws, for all of Ayala’s qualities, are why offers from Europe never materialised and beside interest from Mexican club Toluca, the 28-year-old had few options on the table.
The financial rewards that come with a move to Al-Nassr cannot be ignored at this point of his career and so it is a move that is met with complete understanding in Argentina and Paraguay.
Ayala will no doubt look to a number of Paraguayan footballers who have tested themselves in the Middle East and the examples of Néstor Ortigoza in the United Arab Emirates or Víctor Cáceres in Qatar will give reasons for optimism.
With the chances of a glamour move to Europe only diminishing with age, Ayala faces a new challenge. But with potentially his best years ahead of him, Al-Nassr supporters should feel positive about their latest signing.
Vic is unlikely to have his head turned in a bid to further his career and it shouldn’t take long before he bursts the back of a net in Saudi Arabia.
