Carlos Marchena has praised Valencia coach Ruben Baraja for backing their young players.

Marchena was Baraja's assistant last season before leaving to launch his own academy.

He told Valencia's website: “I am very happy with the job that Baraja is doing. Little by little he is trying to make a team tailored to him, with his ideas. He did that last year but with different circumstances. He is now starting a project from scratch, with the ideas from the previous year, but with many young players and great enthusiasm.

“I am in contact with the people at the club, they called me yesterday for my birthday. They conveyed to me the feeling they have about the squad, that they are very happy and excited, that a good team is being formed, that they are growing in preseason and eager for LaLiga to start, to see the level that the team are at.

“A door has been opened for the young players. Last year we had to make very brave and risky decisions; decisions that, if they work out, will elevate you. If they go wrong, you pay for it. It went well for us and a very big path has opened up for the kids."