Name: Raymond Vella
Nickname: "Ray", "Il-Mundu"




Country: Malta
Club: Ħamrun Spartans F.C.
Position: *CMF, AMF, DMF
Side: RF/BS
Age: 27-32 years (11/01/1959)

Height: 173 cm *
Weight: 73 kg *


Attack: 76
Defence: 60
Balance: 76
Stamina: 84
Top Speed: 76
Acceleration: 78
Response: 79
Agility: 82
Dribble Accuracy: 82
Dribble Speed: 78
Short Pass Accuracy: 83
Short Pass Speed: 77
Long Pass Accuracy: 75
Long Pass Speed: 77
Shot Accuracy: 72
Shot Power: 78
Shot Technique: 72
Free Kick Accuracy: 68
Curling: 70
Header: 67
Jump: 71
Technique: 81
Aggression: 75
Mentality: 78
Goalkeeper Skills: 50
Team Work: 84

Injury Tolerance: B
Condition: 5
Weak Foot Accuracy: 5
Weak Foot Frequency: 5
Consistency: 6
Growth type: Standard/Lasting

CARDS:
P18 - Talisman
S02 - Passer
S06 - Outside Curve
S18 - Turning Skills

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Tactical Dribble - Playmaking - Passing - Outside

Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Balanced


INFO:
Vella is a former central, attacking or defensive midfielder. His career began in 1974 at Marsa, where he remained until 1985. He then had his most successful time at Ħamrun Spartans from 1985 to 1992, winning three Premier Leagues, four Maltese FA Trophys and five Maltese Super Cups. Moreover, he was named Maltese Player of the Year in 1987 and 1991. He retired in 1996 after playing as sweeper for St. Andrews and Birkirkara. He was called up for Malta 67 times, scoring once.
Regarded as one of the best ever midfielders and playmakers in Malta's history, Vella surely was the best Maltese player during the 1980s and 1990s alongside Carmel Busuttil. Vella was an elegant and truly talented player, gifted with tactical awareness, determination and commitment. Quiet and serious in the field, he inspired future generations, winning praises for his impeccable skills and fair play. He didn't score much as his main task was to lead the offense. He possessed superb ball control and dribbling but his passing ability was his best trademark. His short ball distribution was excellent while his crosses weren't always accurate but could lead to an assist when he got them right. In fact, he was often in charge of corners and free kicks, so that he could create a scoring chance. He wasn't very fast but had a good short sprint to get away from his marker before delivering a pass. Occasionally, he helped during the defensive phase, intercepting balls, making tackles or trying to track back despite not possessing great speed. He showed his class even against far superior teams like Germany, Italy or Spain.