The best league in the World makes its return this weekend along with the Serie A and Ligue 1 (well for those of you who don’t have Comcast). A relatively busy summer for a lot of the teams in Spain has shaken things up quite a bit. As a league, teams spent a total of $909,385,444 while making $850,869,846 in sales. La Liga saw some big names leave such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Paulinho and Fernando Torres but the protagonism of the league remains the same.
The narrative of the untouchable top four teams will carry on at least one more season although spots 4-7 could easily be interchangeable. The transfer market is still open for Spanish teams so it is still possible that one or more transfers could affect the order of my predictions but as it stands now, I believe the La Liga standings will finish in a very familiar fashion.
1. Barcelona
The reigning champions were domestically successful last season thanks to Ernesto Valverde and his Periculophobia. The Catalanes displayed a tactically smart form of play over the course of the season in which their main priority was discipline defensively. Their overdependence on Messi and Suarez up top ended up costing them in Europe but domestically, they were as close to perfect as possible.
It seems as if Barcelona have switched gears and turned their focus on to the Champions League this season as they try to end Real Madrid’s dominance in the competition. They got rid of deadweight players such as Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina, Douglas and Lucas Digne while bringing in more than $90 million for said players.
Meanwhile, they brought in the likes of Arthur, Lenglet, Malcolm and Arturo Vidal to strengthen their bench that had been rather weak in recent years. Coutinho has finally adapted to his teammates at Camp Nou, Dembele is healthy, midfield is looking strong, options at center back and a rested Messi. Strongest Barcelona side I’ve seen since 2014-2015.
2. Atletico Madrid
Cholo’s men started off last season flat footed and would end up costing them the Champions League. However, Diego Costa’s incorporation and Antoine Griezmann’s resurgence led to a completely turn around for Atletico in the second half of the season. Simeone and Atletico understand that in order to compete in La Liga, new reinforcements were urgently needed. Following their Atleti-style tradition, they chose not to break the bank and spend tactically.
They brought in Thomas Lemar from Monaco to fill the void left by Yannick Carrasco. Lemar is more of a natural winger who can take you down the line more thus creating more space for Costa and Griezmann. With the departure of Vrsaljko, they brought in Colombia’s Santiago Arias to potentially replace Juanfran as the starting right back. Gabi’s departure will be filled with either Thomas Partey or former Villarreal midfielder Rodri. Lastly, they bought Nikola Kalinic from Milan to be the backup striker that Gameiro was last season.
Tactically spent money, new and motivated faces, Diego Costa looking sharper and fitter than ever and an overall rejuvenated Atletico side means the Spanish capital might be turning Rojiblanca again.
3. Real Madrid
They may have lost the second best player in the World but Real Madrid’s problems remain in the back. There is still no replacement for Pepe who left in the summer in 2017 and if the team wants to actively compete in a season long tournament, they cannot depend on Nacho to be the emergency center back. The lack of depth in defense is very concerning considering that two of the four defenders are very injury prone (Varane and Carvajal) and Sergio Ramos is a red card waiting to happen.
During the UEFA Super Cup, we also witnessed that without Casemiro, there is no balance in the midfield and the team can be picked apart. With Kovacic leaving and Lopetegui apparent distrust in Marcos Llorente I’m not sure who would be Casemiro’s substitute going forward.
The Champions League is a set of short sprints but La Liga is a full marathon. To win the league, one must have a deep roster of players who are capable of covering multiple positions and contributing when needed. Offensively, I’m not concerned about Real Madrid but their defense and depth should be a cause of concern for Lopetegui.
Team To Watch: Valencia
Last season, Valencia took advantage of Real Madrid’s struggles and were toe to toe with Barcelona early in the season. That was until injuries and Madrid’s individual talent would eventually pass them up in the standings. Los Che would eventually finish fourth thus qualifying for the Champions League. Marcelino brought back joy to the Mestalla after several rocky seasons.
Valencia will suffered from key departures from last season. Star striker and fan favorite Simone Zaza has joined Torino They were unable to retain loanne Gonçalo Guedes who will head back to PSG next season. Fortunately for them, their form last season and Champions League football has attracted many players who are critically needing starting minutes. Former Inter midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia will reinforce the midfield while Kevin Gameiro and Batman himself Michy Batshuayi will be up top. World Cup standout and former Real Madrid icon Denis Cheryshev has also re-joined the Bats.
Add these new signings to an already football-friendly side with the likes of Rodrigo and Dani Parejo and Los Che are definitely my team to watch this season.
Agree or disagree with me? Let me know! Twitter: @MP_Persources and IG: @tincho_persources