So, a new season means lots of money being spent by not only Barca and Real Madrid but also by the likes of Valencia, Athletico Madrid and the new found wealth of Malaga. It is set to be a very entertaining season with every club in La Liga possessing at least one player who can produce a piece of match winning magic (this is what makes La Liga superior to any other domestic league). I have created my own list of players to watch out this season.
They do not contain the already established La Liga stars such as Messi, Ronaldo, Jesus Navas etc, instead it only takes in to account the following: Youngsters recently promoted to first team football, new transfers, players set to make a starting spot their own.
I have chosen a 4-4-2 formation
GK: Sergio Asenjo
Club: Athletico Madrid
When at Valladolid Asenjo was untouchable, he pulled off incredible saves every week behind a defence that didn’t help much. Interest from Barca, Madrid and various other European giants increased. Instead Asenjo opted for what he thought to be guaranteed first team football and moved to Athletico Madrid. A combination of injuries and a few shaky performances saw David De Gea (who has since moved to Manchester United) take his place in the starting line up and he never got back in it. After a strong loan spell at Malaga last season, Asenjo is raring to prove his worth to Athletico and make the number 1 jersey his own for a very new look Athletic Madrid.
RB: David Cortes
Club: Granada
A massively underrated player, who put a complete lock on whomever Barca threw at him in Hercules’ 2-0 win at the Camp Nou last season (I remember this well being a Barca fan). He possesses a never say die attitude and is unforgiving in his defensive approach. Granada will need every bit of his heart and experience if they are to remain in the top flight for more than a season.
CB: Victor Ruiz
Club: Valencia
The reason I choose Ruiz in this players to watch XI is because he is simply unpredictable, potentially a great defender but has a very short fuse, evidence of which you can see here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6xOYcuPRc (Spain U21’s Ruiz punches Nicki Bille of Denmark for celebrating the winning goal in his face). Watch this guy, he is the new Pepe!
CB: Albert Botia
Club: Sporting Gijon
I know Botia could be regarded as established but for him I make an exception. Many outside of Spain know of Botia. He is a graduate of the famed La Masia youth system and the key to Spain’s defensive future. I was very surprised that he did not make a move this year, he possesses Ricardo Carvalho’s reading of the game and a heart similar to that of Carles Puyol, at a time when Spain's national team is having to play a midfielder at CB it is only a matter of time until Botia gets the call.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Club: Malaga
Big spending Malaga picked up the best young Spanish left back during pre season. Quick and not afraid to attack he will fit in to Malag's attack plan well, although he will have to do his fair share of defensive work as the CB partnership leaves much to be desired.
RM: Santi Cazorla
Club: Malaga
One of my surprise transfers of the season. Cazorla was wanted by the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Man Utd yet opted to move back down south to Andalucia. Was once labelled Recre's Ronaldinho when at Recreativo Huelva. Expect pretty much everything to go through him at Malaga this season.
LM: Pablo Piatti
Club: Valencia
Finally made a move! Piatti went to Almeria with a lot of hype and potential (some even calling him the new Messi!). He never quite got going at Almeria apart from a few glimpses of talent. Expect him to torture a few right backs this season.
CM: Thiago Alcantara
Club: FC Barcelona
What can be said about Thiago, another outragiously talented La Masia product. Capable of playing either Xavi or Iniesta's role. Expect to see many of his little flicks, tricks and a fair share of goals as he can really shoot from distance. It is becoming clear why so many clubs wanted the Italian born Spaniard with a Brazilian father!
MC: Nuri Sahin
Club: Real Madrid
After a great season at German champions Dortmund Sahin made a €10m move to Madrid. On paper and probably on the field a huge bargain. Expect him to take Xabi Alonso's place eventually with his tireless work ethic and impressive range of passing.
FW: Ruud Van Nistlerooy
Club: Malaga
Probably the greatest poacher of the last 15 years, he only needs one chance and he usually scores, should get at least 20 league goals despite his age due to the service that shall be provided by Joaquin and Cazorla, the only doubt is if he can remain injury free.
FW: Falcao
Club: Athletico Madrid
The scoring sensation (outside of Messi and Ronaldo) of last season. Fantastic in the air and lethal inside the box. It will be very interesting to see how Athletico play with him and Adrian. He will certainly cause many La Liga defenders headaches, he has big boots to fill though in the form of Aguero and Forlan, a heafty price tag of €40m may also add to the pressure.
Notable other players to watch: Cesc Fabregas, Ander Herrera, Alexis Sanchez, Diego (Athletico), Ardur Turan
What do you guys think? Have I missed anyone out who you think should be in this XI. Let me know.
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