Former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado thriving once again in La Liga

When Roberto Soldado joined Villarreal out of Tottenham in the summer window, he left behind all the negativity that burdened him in England.

Soldado was heavily criticized during his time at White Hart Lane, but the 30-year-old Spanish striker is now thriving in La Liga, already notching a pair of goals and assists in his three appearances for Villarreal this year.

"I couldn’t have wished for a better welcome," Soldado told reporters Wednesday in Spain. "On a sporting level, we have started well, which is the most important thing."

Soldado played for Real Madrid, Getafe, and Valencia earlier in his career, and he is clearly happy to be back in his home country.

"Coming back has surpassed all of my expectations," he said. "I couldn’t have imagined that it would be as good as it has been so far. I was really keen to come back to Spain, and above all to a club which has everything it needs to do things well."

Related: VIDEO: Roberto Soldado scores in his debut match for Villarreal

Soldado's team-first mentality comes as a result of his quick integration into the system of the Yellow Submarine. He and Leo Baptistao have formed a strong partnership up top, seeing Villarreal to two wins and a draw so far this season.

Soldado's performances earned him the club's player of the month nod for August, and Villarreal sits in fourth in La Liga at the moment.

"We know we’ve got great potential in attack and in defense if we play as a team," Soldado said. "The players who arrived over the summer are trying to get to know each other so that we can enjoy a good understanding out on the pitch. For the moment, it’s working out well and the team is creating lots of chances.

"We have to continue down this route and keep scoring a lot of goals, which is what counts."

But domestic competition isn't Soldado's sole focus this season. He also harbors European ambitions, as Villarreal embarks upon its Europa League adventure on Wednesday against Rapid Wien.

"It’s important that all of the players in the squad are given minutes and that we are all ready to compete when we are called on," Soldado said. "All of us want to play every game and we have to make the most of the chances we are given.

"I hope Villarreal can go as far as possible in this competition. That’s what we are all working for."