-
Yan Couto: Girona’s Mercurial Wing Back
In Europe’s top five leagues, only one defender has managed at least 8 assists, 45 successful dribble take-ons, and 145 progressive carries in a single campaign in the past three seasons: Girona’s (City Football Group’s) Yan Couto. If that seems like an arbitrary cut-off for a grouping of statistics, that is because it is. But,…
-
Raphinha: Challenging the Stereotypes of Brazilian Wingers at Barcelona
Since 2017, two La Liga players have managed at least 0.40 non-penalty expected goals and 0.40 expected assisted goals per 90 minutes in the same season. Lionel Messi has done it three times (‘17/18, ‘18/19, ‘19/20), and Raphinha has done it twice (‘22/23, ‘23/24) since swapping Leeds for Barcelona in the summer of 2022. …
-
Alvaro Valles: Las Palmas’ Ball-Playing Goalkeeper
Back in Spain’s top-flight after six years, UD Las Palmas are loving life in La Liga and find themselves on track for a comfortable midtable finish. Garcia Pimienta’s side have enjoyed a smooth return to the big leagues and impressed with a free-flowing, possession-heavy style of play. They are averaging 60.2% possession — only Barcelona…
-
Aleix García’s Regista Renaissance at Girona
Aleix García’s story is truly one of persistence and transformation. He began his career in the Villarreal youth academy, working his way through the ranks up to the Villarreal B team. At just 18 years old, he made his first career move away from la Ciudad Deportiva Mini Estadi to the Manchester City U21 squad…
-
İlkay Gündoğan: Barcelona’s Free Transfer Turned MVP
Joan Laporta has not been shy about bringing in free transfers to bolster Barcelona’s squad since his reelection as the Blaugrana’s president in 2021. Given the financial circumstances of the club he inherited, adding quality players without paying an exorbitant transfer fee is probably one of the most shrewd maneuvers one could make. During his…
-
Brahim Díaz: The Swiss Army Knife of Attackers
Christian Bale, cinnamon, the Swiss Army Knife, Brahim Díaz: all known for their versatility. Wait, hold on. Brahim Díaz? That’s right. He might not have the public perception like the others, but his versatility across the front line has been key to Real Madrid’s La Liga title charge and Champions League run. However, it has…
-
Samuel Omorodion: Spain’s Next Top Striker?
It has been nothing short of a meteoric rise for Samuel “Samu” Omorodion Aghehowa. Born in Melilla, Spain to Nigerian parents, Omorodion moved to Maracena, a municipality of Granada, at a young age. After progressing through the ranks at AD Nervión for six years, he joined Granada’s academy in 2021, eventually making his senior debut…
-
Is Alvaro Fernandez Carreras the Solution to Benfica’s Left Back Dilemma?
Eight years ago, Benfica signed a 20-year-old Spanish left back who had not yet broken through to FC Barcelona’s first team. Alex Grimaldo would go on to score 27 goals and 66 assists in 303 appearances for Benfica, winning four league titles before departing in the summer of 2023. With Benfica’s summer signings David Jurasek…
-
Assessing Andre Onana’s Time at Manchester United So Far
Last July, Andre Onana’s move to Manchester United was one of the most anticipated transfers of the summer window. Not only was the incoming Cameroonian goalkeeper replacing David de Gea, who had established himself as a legitimate club legend during his 12 seasons at Old Trafford, but he was also set to be the key…
-
How Ernesto Valverde Turned the Tide at Athletic Club
Located in the energetic city of Bilbao, Spain, Athletic Club de Bilbao is a distinctive and legendary football team. Renowned for its unique transfer policy as well as its extensive history, Athletic Club takes great satisfaction in upholding a stringent tradition of featuring players who have Basque ancestry, with players and supporters alike have developed…