Dela: The defender with nerves of steel from the penalty spot
Levante's Adrián Dela has now scored penalties in three different divisions of Spanish football, maintaining a perfect record from the spot.
Levante defender Adrián Dela is proving to be one of Spanish football’s most unlikely penalty specialists, having now converted spot-kicks in three different divisions without missing a single one.
The unlikely penalty king
When Levante were awarded a penalty in the 93rd minute against Real Sociedad last Saturday, trailing 0-1 at the Ciutat de Valencia, you’d expect one of their attacking players to step up. Instead, it was 26-year-old defender Dela who grabbed the ball with the confidence of a seasoned striker.
The pressure was immense – last gasp of the game, team behind, facing one of Spain’s top goalkeepers in Alex Remiro – but Dela remained cool as a cucumber and slotted home to rescue a valuable point for the Granotas.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is that this wasn’t a one-off moment of bravery. The bloke’s actually built himself a proper reputation as a penalty specialist across multiple divisions of Spanish football.
Perfect penalty record
Dela’s penalty journey began in Primera RFEF (Spain’s third tier) with Villarreal B in the 2021-22 season, when he scored against San Fernando.
He then continued his flawless record in Segunda División:
- 2022-23: Scored against Cartagena while at Villarreal B
- 2023-24: Converted penalties against both Elche and Eibar
- 2024-25: Found the net from the spot against Castellón and Eibar (again)
That’s a perfect seven penalties from seven attempts across three different divisions – the sort of record that would make even the most accomplished penalty takers green with envy.
More than just penalties
Beyond his penalty prowess, Dela is making his mark in La Liga at 26 years of age. He’s the epitome of a proper defender – brave as they come with a fighting spirit that’s earned him his place in Spain’s top flight through sheer graft.
While goals might come in dribs and drabs for the centre-back, they often arrive at crucial moments. That’s the sign of a player with the right temperament – someone who doesn’t bottle it when the pressure’s on.
In a world where specialists are becoming increasingly valuable, having a defender who’s money from 12 yards is quite the ace up Levante’s sleeve. Talk about having a Plan B that’s Adam and Eve!