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Takefusa Kubo: Home at Last at Real Sociedad
Over the past few years, Japan has lurked in the shadows as one of the rising stars in international football. They’ve qualified for every World Cup since 1998, they’ve produced the likes of Shinji Kagawa, Maya Yoshida and Makoto Hasebe, and they’ve had their fair share of memorable performances on the world stage. Nevertheless, they…
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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. …
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Federico Valverde: El Halcón Flying High at Real Madrid
“La Ligue de Vérité.” Thus read L’Équipe’s cover on the eve of Real Madrid’s visit to the Parc de Princes on September 18, 2019, translating to: “The League of Truth.” It was a high-stakes, star-studded clash between two of the richest sides in Europe, a match that would separate the men from the boys. …
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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…
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The Next in Atleti’s Long Line of Midfield Gems: Pablo Barrios
La Liga has no shortage of talented young midfielders with immense potential. I’m sure several spring to mind immediately – Jude Bellingham, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Eduardo Camavinga, Gavi… the list goes on and on. But there’s one man that deserves equal recognition with the others for his current abilities and seriously world-class potential: Pablo Barrios.…
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Las Palmas: Punching Above their Weight in their Return to La Liga
The 2023/2024 season for Unión Deportiva Las Palmas has been a return to La Liga filled with challenges and noteworthy moments, marking their first season in the Spanish first division since the 2017-2018 season. Throughout the early months of the competition, the team has experienced both lows and significant victories that highlight their struggle and…
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Johnny Cardoso: The USMNT Midfielder Making an Instant Impact at Real Betis
Since falling to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa Conference League knockout round playoffs, Real Betis’ form has taken a turn for the worse: apart from a 3-1 win vs. an Athletic Club side that played the final hour with 10 men, Betis have picked up just one point from their last five. They sit eighth…
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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…
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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…
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Javi Guerra: The Mestalla Product Shining for Valencia
Club: Valencia Nationality: Spain Position(s): CM, DM, AM Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6’2”/187cm Age: 20 Strengths: ball-carrying, dribbling, long-range shooting, power, stamina, passing, long passing, positioning, tackling Areas for Development: box-crashing volume From Kang-in Lee to Isco, from David Silva to Carlos Soler, Valencia’s academy continues to churn out stellar midfield profiles, and the…
