Top 7 Alaves best players football history

Deportivo Alavés, although not a regular force in the top group of La Liga, still possesses a proud history with players who have devoted themselves to the blue and white shirt. From warriors in the defense to world-class strikers, Alavés has witnessed many excellent faces that have contributed to shaping the brave playing identity of the Basque team. The list of top 7 Alaves best players shared by Kingsoccertips below is not only a professional recognition, but also a journey to honor the people who have made the name of Deportivo Alavés on the map of Spanish and European football.

Top 7 Alaves best players

Below is a list of the top 7 Alaves best players, names that have left a strong impression and contributed to creating brilliant golden pages for the Basque team.

Top 7: Rubén Navarro

Rubén Navarro was a consistent striker during a turbulent era for Alavés in the early 2000s. He stood out due to his opportunistic instincts and fiery playing style. Navarro frequently provided a spark of hope for the team in difficult matches, particularly with crucial goals that helped the club avoid relegation. His intelligent off-the-ball movement and sharp finishing made him one of the most notable Spanish forwards of that period.

Rubén Navarro - Striker who seizes sharp opportunities, scores decisive goals in important matches — Rubén Navarro – Striker who seizes sharp opportunities, scores decisive goals in important matches

From a betting perspective, Navarro is the type of player ideal for analysis in markets such as “decisive goal scorer” or “player to save the team.” When bookmakers offer specials involving all-time XI line-ups from the 2000s, Navarro is a strong selection for optimizing odds in less commonly chosen but high-potential bets. For those aiming to exploit the “player of the moment” angle, Rubén Navarro is a candidate capable of delivering surprising returns.

Top 6: Delfí Geli

Although Delfí Geli played for several major clubs, his most memorable impact came at Alavés, where he served as the right-back during their 2001 UEFA Cup final run. Known for his pace down the flanks, precise crossing, and fearless defending, Geli was a vital component of Alavés’ dual-wing system. Despite the unfortunate own goal in the final against Liverpool, his performances throughout the season earned high praise.

Delfí Geli - Talented right-back, plays an important role in Alavés' defense and attack — Delfí Geli – Talented right-back, plays an important role in Alavés’ defense and attack

In betting markets focused on “most complete wide player” or historically significant commemorative matches, Delfí Geli is a name worth considering. Thanks to his balanced style of play, he fits well into bets like “player creating the most chances” or “most offensively influential defender.” These types of wagers often carry favorable odds due to low popularity, offering significant value to punters with a deep understanding of Alavés history.

Top 5: Martín Astudillo

Martín Astudillo was a central midfielder who balanced defensive duties and attacking transitions something rare in the early 2000s. The Argentine was known for his relentless work rate, constantly breaking up opposition play in midfield while supporting attacks from deep positions. During Alavés’ European campaigns, Astudillo acted as a tireless “midfield engine,” helping to control the tempo and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm.

Martín Astudillo - A resilient central midfielder who always cools down the game and supports the attack effectively — Martín Astudillo – A resilient central midfielder who always cools down the game and supports the attack effectively

In terms of betting, Astudillo serves as a solid foundation for tactical markets such as “most effective midfield unit” or “underrated but essential contributor.” In legendary matches or historical tribute tournaments, he is an appealing option in categories like “most assists from midfield” or “player disrupting pressing systems.” With relatively high odds, those who recognize Astudillo’s strategic value may find solid profit opportunities.

Top 4: Víctor Laguardia

In the modern football era, Víctor Laguardia represents loyalty and endurance. Joining Alavés in 2014, he helped the club through both the Segunda División and La Liga, playing a pivotal role in promotion and then stability in the top flight. Known for his physical style, game-reading ability, and vocal leadership in defence, Laguardia was a cornerstone in Alavés’ tactically disciplined backline.

Víctor Laguardia - The durable centre-back who helped Alavés gain promotion and maintain form in La Liga — Víctor Laguardia – The durable centre-back who helped Alavés gain promotion and maintain form in La Liga

From a betting angle, Laguardia is particularly suitable for markets such as “most cards received,” “successful tackles,” or secondary options like “number of interceptions per match.” He also shines in all-time XI predictions with a defensive bias. When bookmakers offer themed squads across eras, selecting Laguardia often yields high winning potential due to his consistency and long-term influence.

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Top 3: Antonio Karmona

Antonio Karmona was the true leader of Alavés during their golden period in the late 1990s. As captain during the 2000–01 UEFA Cup campaign, he played a major role in organizing a defence that was solid yet flexible. His match-reading skills, defensive leadership, and motivational presence earned him respect not only at Alavés but across the Basque region. Despite being a defender, Karmona contributed in set-piece situations and surprise attacking overlaps.

Antonio Karmona - Defensive leader and captain, played a key role in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup campaign. — Antonio Karmona – Defensive leader and captain, played a key role in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup campaign.

In betting categories that emphasize tactical structure or legendary line-ups such as all-time XI formations or “iconic defensive players” Karmona is a reliable pick for defensive roles. Furthermore, in prop bets that consider intangible factors like leadership such as “most influential locker room presence” Antonio Karmona typically ranks higher than his peers, thanks to his captaincy during the club’s historic European run.

Top 2: Joselu

Joselu stands as one of the finest modern forwards to have played for Alavés, especially during the 2021–22 season. Despite the club’s relegation, he managed to score 14 goals in La Liga, nearly half of the team’s total. His positioning, heading accuracy, and calm finishing established him as the primary attacking outlet. This consistent form eventually earned him a call-up to the national team and transfers to larger clubs after leaving Alavés.

Joselu - The main goalscorer with 14 goals in La Liga in the 2021-22 season, contributing to Alavés' achievements despite relegation — Joselu – The main goalscorer with 14 goals in La Liga in the 2021-22 season, contributing to Alavés’ achievements despite relegation

In the context of betting, Joselu is an ideal player for goal-scoring performance markets, particularly in matchups where Alavés faced weaker opponents. Bets like “first goal scorer,” “shots on target,” or “goals versus expected goals (xG)” present intelligent investment opportunities. When bookmakers offer comparison markets between attacking legends, Joselu is a strategically sound choice due to his standout achievements during a challenging era.

Top 1: Javi Moreno

Javi Moreno is the greatest attacking icon in the history of Alavés. The 2000–01 season saw him reach peak form, scoring 22 goals in La Liga and 7 more in the UEFA Cup. His explosive performances played a major role in leading the team to the UEFA Cup final the most glorious chapter in Alavés’ history. With two-footed finishing, powerful free-kicks, and clinical instincts in the box, Javi Moreno was not only the focal point of the attack but also a key tactical threat that helped Alavés topple European giants.

Javi Moreno: Alavés’ attacking icon, scoring 22 goals in La Liga and seven in the UEFA Cup in the 2000-01 season

When analyzing historical or commemorative betting markets such as throwback matches, legends tournaments, or memorial fixtures Javi Moreno is a prime pick for scenarios like “first to score,” “iconic goal,” or “most impactful player.” Moreover, in special markets built around the club’s all-time greatest players, selecting Javi Moreno usually yields excellent betting value, thanks to his unforgettable European legacy.

Conclusion

The top 7 Alaves best players are timeless icons – each of them is associated with a special period of the club. Whether it is their explosive goals in the European arena, or their resilient performances in the relegation journey, they have left a deep impression on the hearts of fans. It is these silent but valuable contributions that have helped Alavés not only survive but also write heroic chapters, continuing to be the pride of Basque football for many generations.