BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER
EVER MAXIMILIANO DAVID BANEGA born 29 June 1988 is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Valencia CF in Spain, mainly as a central midfielder.
Born in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Banega came through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors, reaching the first team at 18, and winning immediate recognition thanks to his passing average and his performances in the first division. After teammate midfielder Fernando Gago moved to Real Madrid in January 2007, he was named as his successor, despite his young age.
Banega made his professional debut in the 4–0 victory against Club Atlético Banfield on February 10, 2007. On April 2, just a few matches afterwards, he was given an ovation when he left the field.
On January 5, 2008, Banega signed with Spanish side Valencia CF on a five and-a-half year deal, for a fee of around €18 million. He made his debut coming on as a halftime substitute in a final 0–1 loss at Atlético de Madrid in January 2008.
Banega was loaned to Atlético Madrid for 2008–09.He made his official debut as a substitute during the Colchoneros's 3–0 win at PSV Eindhoven, in the first group stage match of the UEFA Champions League. However, he failed to settle at Atlético's starting XI, also being sent off twice, in away draws against Villarreal CF and UD Almería.
Following his return from Atlético, it appeared that Banega was to join English club Everton,but a move did not materialise due to problems acquiring a visa. He subsequently returned for 2009–10 and assisted both goals in Valencia's opening game against Sevilla FC. He scored his first goal for Valencia in January 2010, in a 4–1 win over Villarreal.
Banega was selected for the U20 team, alongside Sergio Agüero for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, which they won.
Soon after joining Valencia in January 2008, Banega made his debut for the Argentina national team, in a 5–0 friendly win over Guatemala, on February 6, 2008, which he started. During that summer, he appeared for the nation with the Olympic side at the Summer Olympics, helping to an eventual gold medal.
Banega was not selected for inclusion in the 2010 World Cup squad by then manager Diego Maradona, a decision that has been criticised as one of his worst by several commentators.
EVER BANEGA PROFILEFull name: Ever Maximiliano David Banega
Date of birth: 29 June 1988
Place of birth: Rosario, Argentina
Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Midfielder
Club information
Current club: Valencia
Number: 21
Youth career
Nuevo Horizonte
Alianza Sport
2000–2007 Boca Juniors
Senior career
2007 Boca Juniors 28 (0)
2008– Valencia 55 (3)
2008–2009 → Atlético Madrid (loan) 24 (1)
National team
2007 Argentina U20 14 (0)
2008 Argentina U23 6 (0)
2008– Argentina 6 (0)