It was a difficult first half of the campaign but like so many in Marcelino's second season at Valencia, Kevin Gameiro has won everyone over with some spectacular performances in 2019.
The Frenchman has been decisive in most of the matches he has played in and no more was that evident than in the two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Betis.
Gameiro started the first leg on the bench, perhaps in part due to his noticeable black eye, and Marcelino sent him on at the Benito Villamarin to turn things around with Valencia 2-0 down.
He was able to show just how decisive he can be as he provided the assist for Denis Cheryshev's goal in the 70th minute, but Gameiro was not finished there. The 31-year-old almost provided a second assist late on for the Russian, but Cheryshev's header hit the woodwork. Then, two minutes into injury-time, Gameiro caressed a shot into the back of Joel Robles' net to turn the tie completely around.
He was key in the return leg, too, as he started the game and provided a beautiful assist for Rodrigo Moreno to score the only goal of the game, sending Valencia through to the final in the process.
Gameiro directly participated in all three Valencia's semi-final goals to set up a clash with Barcelona at the Villamarin on 25 May.
That has caused Marcelino to reconsider his thoughts on the striker and he is truly convinced now, with that also rubbing off on his teammates with whom he is enjoying a great rapport.
So far this season, Gameiro has six goals and six assists, and he has been one of Valencia's most important players since the turn of the year.
It will be important that he can maintain this form as Santi Mina is back after some fitness issues, but there is no denying that the Frenchman and Rodrigo have struck up a wonderful partnership in attack.
Gameiro has been able to change his role and importance to the team, and now everything goes through him.