Óscar Mingueza Scout Report At Celta Vigo 2025/2026: Why Newcastle, West Ham & Aston Villa Want Him – Player Analysis

Since joining Celta Vigo, Óscar Mingueza has arguably played his most well-rounded football in the opening stint of the 2025/2026 La Liga campaign.

So much so that several clubs around Europe, including Newcastle United, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Olympique de Marseille and RB Leipzig, are said to be keeping tabs on Mingueza with eyes on a potential transfer.

Used on both the right and left side of defence, he has become an essential facilitator of Claudio Giráldez’s positional play. 

His value no longer lies in simply covering two full-back roles; instead, he operates as a flexible, tactically mature wide defender who enhances Celta’s balance in possession, contributes to controlled progression, and provides reliability in defensive and transitional moments. 

Mingueza’s season so far highlights a player whose intelligence and adaptability are central to Celta’s structural identity.

This Óscar Mingueza scout report will examine his role with Celta Vigo, tactical differences, and his capabilities this season.

Óscar Mingueza Positioning & Tactical Role

In Giráldezs system, Óscar Mingueza functions as a hybrid full-back with adaptable duties. 

When playing on the right, he moves into the half-space more often, positioning himself near the pivot to create Celtas stable 3-2 build-up shape.

On the left, he plays a slightly wider role, stretching the opposition block and maintaining the height needed to secure the touchline for combinations with the winger.

What makes Mingueza so effective is his consistent tactical intelligence; he excels at reading cues from his teammates and positioning himself accordingly. 

When the pivot drops into the back line, Mingueza steps forward to maintain an even distribution. 

When both wingers push high, he moderates his forward movement to protect rest defence. 

These micro-adjustments offer Celta fluidity in their tactical shapes, allowing them to shift 

seamlessly between 4-1-4-1, 3-2-5, and 2-3-5 structures during different stages of play.

This adaptability is crucial for Celta, enabling them to seamlessly transition between different phases of play, from patient build-up to managing their defensive shape.

Óscar Mingueza Radar Chart 2025/2026 & 2024/2025

Óscar Mingueza In Build-Up & Progression  

During the initial build-up phase, Óscar Mingueza serves as a highly reliable outlet for Celta, primarily because he consistently provides safe passing options that help the team circulate the ball.

His calmness under pressure and clean ball control are significant assets for Celta.