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The LaLiga 2018/19 season will commence this weekend onwards as FC Barcelona would look to defend their league title. Last time around, Ernesto Valverde’s team strolled to the title as they defeated second-placed Atletico Madrid by a margin of 14 points in the end.
This time around, one could expect more competition as Real Madrid would not concede the title midway through the season like last time around. However, as we expect the competition to be stiffer, closer than ever, there are certain individuals who would attract our attention regardless of the situation.
Here, I discuss five such players who would be watched out for in the upcoming LaLiga season.
#4 Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
Iago Aspas endured a splendid season last time around as his 22 goals in 34 matches earned him a place in Spain’s national squad for the World Cup. Aspas is quick on his feet and a brilliant finisher, as his ball control and the ability to bully defenders with sheer pace and trickery enables him to create more goal-scoring chances.
He has an eye for a pass, and Aspas functions more of a goal-creating forward, someone who can make chances and finish them too. He is selfless in terms of scoring goals, as Aspas registered five assists in the LaLiga in addition to his 22 goals.
The 31-year-old has different dimensions to his overall game, which helps him provide a unique impact during matches. Aspas will strive hard to continue his purple patch this time around.
#3 Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
Thomas Lemar was subject to intense transfer speculation after his amazing season with AS Monaco in 2016/17. However, he failed to secure a move away and then underwent a mediocre season last time around. Maybe, that is the reason why the interest from some of the topmost clubs cooled down.
Accordingly, Atletico Madrid pounced on the occasion and lured Lemar for a fee ranging around 65 million pounds. The Frenchman is strong and quick on his feet, as he brings dynamism and pace on the flanks. Lemar is someone who can move around the forward line in search of openings in the opposition’s backline.
He is very effective from set-pieces too, often displaying his qualities in dead ball situations. Diego Simeone will surely bring more discipline to Lemar’s style of play and the Frenchman can become an integral member of the Argentine’s setup at Atletico.
#2 Philippe Coutinho (FC Barcelona)
With Andres Iniesta having left FC Barcelona, the club has already found a potential heir of the Spanish maestro. Philippe Coutinho signed for the Blaugrana in January this year. After having taken his own time to settle into the rigours of the league, Coutinho’s importance will expand after Iniesta’s departure.
In just 18 LaLiga appearances last season, Coutinho scored eight goals and played an assist in five other goals. His creativity, skills and the vision to pick out passes is commendable and appropriate for Barcelona’s style of play. Moreover, he can operate from both deeper as well as advanced positions, and his decision-making in the final third is quite impressive.
Coutinho can shoot sumptuously from the long-range, as his curling shots from acute angles are often commendable. This season, he would have an entire opportunity to prove his mettle in the Spanish league.
#1 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Gareth Bale has arguably been playing under the shadow Cristiano Ronaldo ever since his move to Real Madrid. Troubled by various injuries during the course of his stay, Ronaldo’s departure provides Bale with the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent and character to consistently perform for a club of Madrid’s pedigree.
The Welshman is insanely quick and can be a menace down the right-wing with his skills and direct approach towards the game. Owing to his pace, Bale beats his marker and finds space in the opposition’s backline. He can stretch the defence and sent in some testing deliveries into the box, and there is always an aura of unpredictability regarding his style of play.
His acrobatic demeanour was visible when Bale scored a fantastic overhead goal against Liverpool in the finals of the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, Bale is a proven goal-scorer too. If Julen Lopategui is looking to create a system with the 29-year-old as their main goal-scoring threat, then Real Madrid will surely benefit from his sheer composure in front of the goal.
