It is really hard to remember the last time Barcelona were looking into the new season with so many question marks over their head, probably not since Pep Guadiola was first appointed coach. Since then, Barcelona had two mini cycles. First was defined by Pep's legacy, in which the late Tito Vilanova managed to win the title but subsequently failed to repeat that level of performance in the Champions league, whilst dealing with a life threatening disease. Last season Tata Martino made a huge leap away from the Barcelona that was lauded as the 'best Barca team in history', installing new ideas … [Read more...]
Ones to Watch in La Liga – Almeria to Celta Vigo
With the new season just days away, we have assembled a list of players who are most likely to cause an unexpected stir in La Liga this season. La Liga has been the breeding ground for the Premier League for a few seasons now, and some of these future stars could be bound for England next summer. Almeria There was no mistaking which area Almeria struggled most with last season as they survived in La Liga by a whisker, despite conceding a whopping 71 times. If anything, credit must go to the attacking department, for without their contributions, Almeria would have been sent straight back down … [Read more...]
Player Focus – Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Last season saw a somewhat rise to prominence for 22-year-old La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto. Making 27 appearances in the first team last season, the young midfielder was often the first choice to rotate into the Barcelona line-up when key first team players – Xavi, Iniesta, Fàbregas – were either injured or being rested. … [Read more...]
La Liga players to watch out for this season
With just over a week until the new La Liga campaign kicks off, let’s take a look at seven youngsters set to make their mark this season. Let’s start with an obvious one – it has to be World Cup wonder James Rodriguez. He dazzled us in Brazil with his inspired attacking and that stunning volley against Uruguay. A deserving winner of the Golden Boot and arguably a better Golden Ball candidate than Messi, Real Madrid’s £60 million signing is reason enough to tune in to Los Blancos’ opening game against Cordoba. … [Read more...]
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid: Spanish super cup preview
This year’s Spanish Super cup is going to be a real treat for all fans of the beautiful game. The two teams facing off are none other than last season’s Champions League finalists, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. It’s the Spanish champions against the European champions, el derbi Madrileño. The cup ties will take place on the 19th of August for the first leg and the 22nd of August for the return leg. … [Read more...]