Fernando 'Fer' Niño has emerged as Elche CF's primary attacking threat early in the season, scoring five goals in their first eight LaLiga EA Sports matches. The forward, signed this summer from Burgos CF for a fixed fee of 2.6 million euros on a contract until June 2030, is already the team's top scorer for a side sitting 18th in the table with six points.

Fer Niño explained that his adaptation to the Martínez Valero was immediate. "From the first day I saw the atmosphere here I knew I would adapt quickly," the player said. The 24-year-old attacker also highlighted that prior conversations with manager Martín Anselmi and an understanding of the playing model were key to his move. "His style and model suit my characteristics a lot," he added. Niño values playing alongside target men like Roger or Ponce, which allows him to move more freely to capitalise on second-phase opportunities.

The upcoming fixture this Saturday at La Cerámica against Villarreal CF holds special meaning for the footballer. "It's a very special match because that's more or less where it all began," Niño confessed. The striker made his top-flight debut with the Yellow Submarine at age 19 and scored within two minutes of coming on. His connection to the club spanned seven years, a period during which he overcame a serious cruciate ligament injury at 15. "They treated me as if I were a first-team player." he recalled. Despite the affection, Niño knows the opponent is strong. "Villarreal has a very large squad, almost enough to make two teams that would compete perfectly in the First Division," he noted.

Elche CF arrive at this regional derby following a goalless draw with Celta de Vigo and a record of one win, three draws and four defeats. The team has conceded 17 goals and scored 11, for a -6 goal difference. Niño believes the team is improving. "We started the season badly and we have fewer points than we deserve, but that's the First Division." he analysed. The player also highlighted the defensive solidity of the block and the high press as keys to their improvement.

With an eye on Saturday's match, Niño maintains his personal ambition. His father, Fernando Niño Bejarano, who wore the Elche CF shirt in 130 league matches between 2005 and 2009, gave him clear advice. "He told me I haven't done anything yet, to always keep my feet on the ground and that there is still a lot of League left," the forward revealed. After the clash in Vila-real, Elche CF's schedule includes another derby at home against Valencia CF and a trip to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano on matchday ten. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the complete squad on squad. The first round of the Copa del Rey, against UD Pinatar at the José Antonio Pérez stadium, will be the next target after this block of league games.

More detail at Plaza Deportiva