Javi Varas
Quick Facts
Biography
Javier 'Javi' Varas Herrera (born 10 September 1982) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for UD Las Palmas as a goalkeeper.
Club career
Sevilla
Born in Seville, Andalusia, Varas arrived at Sevilla FC aged 23 after having only played amateur football in his native region (although he had been bought by the club two years earlier). He spent his first three seasons with the B-team, contributing with 13 games in 2006–07 as they were promoted to Segunda División for the first time ever, and occasionally training with the main squad.
After David Cobeño moved to Rayo Vallecano, Varas became Andrés Palop's backup, making his La Liga debut on 17 January 2009 in a 1–0 home win against CD Numancia. During a full month, following an injury to the latter in October, he was again called on for starting duties, only conceding once in four matches, in the 3–1 win at VfB Stuttgart for the campaign's UEFA Champions League.
Midway through 2010–11, Varas became Sevilla's first-choice over 37-year-old Palop. He appeared in 21 games as the side finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.
Under new manager Marcelino García Toral, Varas continued as a regular starter. On 22 October 2011, he put on a Man of the match performance against FC Barcelona, saving eight shots – including an injury-time penalty from Lionel Messi – in an eventual 0–0 away draw.
Varas lost his importance in the following years, after the arrival in January 2013 from Portuguese Beto. He contributed with nine appearances as Sevilla won the 2013–14 Europa League, but was an unused substitute in the decisive match itself.
Valladolid
On 25 August 2014, Varas joined Real Valladolid in a one-year contract. He only missed four league games during his first and only season, as his team narrowly missed out on play-off promotion.
Las Palmas
On 12 July 2015, Varas signed a two-year deal with UD Las Palmas, newly promoted to the top division.
Honours
- Sevilla B
- Segunda División B: 2006–07
- Sevilla
- UEFA Europa League: 2013–14
- Copa del Rey: 2009–10