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Carlos Villanueva (footballer)

Carlos Villanueva
Personal information
Full name Carlos Andrés Villanueva Rolland
Date of birth (1986-02-05) 5 February 1986 (age 31)
Place of birth Viña del Mar, Chile
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position Attacking midfielder
Winger
Club information
Current team
Ittihad FC
Number 23
Youth career
1993–2000 El Romeral
2000–2003 Deportes La Serena
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003 Deportes La Serena 15 (5)
2004–2009 Audax Italiano 110 (50)
2008–2009 Blackburn Rovers (loan) 13 (0)
2009–2016 Al Shabab 117 (31)
2013 Universidad Católica (loan) 12 (1)
2016– Ittihad FC 17 (3)
National team
2007–2010 Chile 13 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10 December 2016.
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 9 October 2010

Carlos Andrés Villanueva Rolland (born 5 February 1986) is a Chilean football player who is currently playing for Saudi Club Ittihad FC.

In the Copa Libertadores 2007, the left-footed playmaker was the hub of Audax Italiano. The team was not able to qualify for the knockout phase due to goal differential. Villanueva was rewarded with a call-up to Chile's Copa América 2007 squad.

On 17 July 2008, it was confirmed by Villanueva's agents and also former club that Villanueva would play for the Blackburn Rovers of the Premier League in England. He also confirmed this on 29 July, pending a work permit being issued.

On 2 August, Villanueva completed his season-long loan move to Blackburn. The club had the option to make the deal permanent, at a pre-agreed fee. Villanueva also agreed terms to extend his contract for a further three years, if the option is exercised.

On 27 August, Villanueva made his debut for Blackburn in a League Cup game against Grimsby Town, a match in which he scored his first goal for the club. He also set up a goal for striker Matt Derbyshire in the 4–1 win. His debut was delayed by a few weeks due to the virus, chicken pox which forced him to stay away from club training facilities, so that he did not pass on the virus to other staff.

On 20 September, Villanueva made his (home) debut in the Premier League as a late second-half substitute against Fulham, his impact was immediate and substantial. Linking up well to provide a looping cross for Roque Santa Cruz to head down for the winning goal, which was converted by Derbyshire.

He made his full starting Premier League debut on 27 September, against Newcastle United at St. James' Park, getting an assist providing a cross for a headed goal for Christopher Samba.


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