2007-08 La Liga Preview

We’re just four days from the kick-off of the 2007-08 Spanish La Liga season with the Madrid Derby at the Bernabéu, between Atlético Madrid and defending La Liga champions Real Madrid. There will be no shortage of storylines in Spain this coming season- From Barcelona’s spending spree, to the end of the “Galacticos” era at Real Madrid, to the departure of Fernando Torres from the only club he’s ever known, Atlético Madrid.

In the interest of full disclosure, I don’t know if should really be attempting a true La Liga preview. I must question my own ability to remain truly objective, as I am a huge fan of FC Barcelona, a title that carries with it certain implied biases and rivalries that are not easily put aside. With that said, I will do my best to look ahead and give you my thoughts on what to expect from the coming season in La Liga (by the way, Real Madrid will NOT repeat as champions!). Anyway, some thoughts on how the season will play out:

Who will represent the La Liga in the Champions League? FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Real Madrid (In order). Coming off a heartbreaking season in which the club failed to win a major competition, and, following several weeks of lackluster play, fumbled away the league title on the season’s final day, Barcelona enters the 2007-08 season as the class of La Liga- not only in terms of talent on the pitch, but in terms of the players’ motivation to atone for their fans’ disappointment. With additions of Thierry Henry, defenders Eric Abidal and Gabriel Milito and defensive midfielder Yaya Toure, as well as the pre-season emergence of 18 year-old Mexican prospect Giovanni Dos Santos, Barcelona has retooled its already formidable squad which includes, among others, world-class striker Samuel Eto’o, perennial Player of the Year candidate Ronaldinho and the world’s top young player, Lionel Messi. Look for Barcelona to take no chances with the La Liga title this season. Atlético Madrid heads up the next tier of contenders in Spain. Despite losing star striker Fernando Torres to Liverpool this summer, the club has added a number of influential players, led by striker Diego Forlán (look for big things from him!), Benfica forward Simão Sabrosa and former Arsenal and Real Madrid man Jose Antonio Reyes. Atlético Madrid spent the proceeds of the Torres sale wisely and should be one of La Liga’s top clubs this season. Next, we have Valencia, who added talented Racing Santander striker Nikola Zigic to an attack that already boasts the likes of David Silva and Fernando Morientes, not mention all-world Spanish striker, David Villa. Real Madrid will be the recipient of La Liga’s final Champions League spot because, well, I guess the defending champions deserve to be shown some level of respect (although don’t be surprised if Sevilla takes this spot!). After a summer of Jose Calderon’s shameless tampering, artificially linking the club to everyone from AC Milan ’s Kaká to Premiership stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas, Real enters the season with Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder, former Barcelona striker Javier Saviola and Roberto Soldado to show for its transfer window activity. The final days of the transfer period could also see the arrival of Chelsea’s Arjen Robben at the Bernabéu. Make no mistake, Real Madrid has succeeded in bringing in some quality players this summer, but it seems somehow anticlimactic. Think of it this way- no matter how nice, a brand new BMW doesn’t seem all that special when you’ve been running around screaming about how you’re planning on buying a Ferrari.

Who will be the top player in La Liga at season’s end? Ronaldinho. Despite turning in the second-best goal-scoring season of his of his career (best in terms of league goals), Ronaldinho didn’t regularly control games with the spectacular, virtuoso performances that have been his trademark. Whether last season’s drop-off in form was the result of fatigue or complacency, a well-rested and highly motivated Ronaldinho will be on a mission to regain his throne as the world’s best footballer.

Which player will take his game to another level in 2007-08? Lionel Messi. This will be its own article in the very near future, but it bears mentioning here that, more than any young player in the game, Lionel Messi has the potential to break into the Pele/Maradona class. He’s one of the most electrifying players in world football, and he possesses “it”- the ability to identify his genius and to maximize it. He may be the best player on the planet within six months. Oh, by the way, consider this: he stand all of 5’7”, weighs about 140 pounds and just turned 20 years-old in June. Amazing.

Which new acquisition will make the biggest positive impact for his club? Diego Forlán. One of the top players in the 2007 Copa America and a deadly striker in his days at Villarreal, Forlán will make an immediate impact on the Madrid attack this season. Since he doesn't have to adjust to playing in a new country or a new league, the Uruguayan striker could potentially exceed all of the production that the club lost with the sale of Fernando Torres this season- at just 2/3 the price.

Which new acquisition is most likely to disappoint his new club? Luis Garcia. A frustrating talent. Luis Garcia has the ability to be a world-class striker, but his inconsistent play on the ball and propensity for losing possession have always stood in the way of his excellent skill. At age 29, he undoubtedly has time to reverse this reputation, but by that age it can be argued that you are what you are. His talent will create expectations, but his inconsistency will create disappointment.

Whose departure will be the most damaging to his former club? David Beckham. This has as much, if not more, to do with Beckham’s fame, aura and persona, as it does with his on the field production. Un the day of his move to Real Madrid four years ago, it was reported that approximately $1 million worth of the teams merchandise was sold- that day! Additionally, Real Madrid sold over $600 million worth of merchandise in his four years at the club, a good chunk of that attributed to his commercial appeal. Real Madrid is the New York Yankees of Spain, where star power and persona are as big a part of the team’s presence as trophies and championships. Plus, they’re going to need to keep their revenues up in order to finance their next generation of huge-dollar purchases. With all of that said, it’s important to point out that the club didn’t start its charge to top of the La Liga table until Beckham was reinserted into the line-up- and, frankly, he played really well down the stretch! That’s not to say that he the sole reason for the club’s league title, but he certainly did provide them with a spark.

Who could exceed expectations and be a pleasant surprise? Sevilla. Coming off their defeat of Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa, the two-time defending UEFA Cup champions, and winners of the 2007 Copa Del Rey, have the look of a side that could exceed expectations and finish #2 or #3 in La Liga. With Freddie Kanoute and Luis Fabiano in attack and former Ajax winger Tom de Mul in midfield, Sevilla could pose a serious threat to the traditional La Liga powers. Also, despite he stated desire to play for a bigger club, the lack of a deal (for now) to sell star right-back Daniel Alves means that he could be around until the January transfer window, if not all season. His attacking style of play from a defensive position would give the club a big boost.

Who will be the La Liga’s biggest disappointment? Real Madrid. Despite a spectacular season in attack from Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the return (as always) of captain Raúl, and the ready-to-break-out Brazilian star Robinho, Real Madrid has not improved and retooled like their fellow contenders in Spain. Standing pat while those around you improve is akin to regressing. Yeah, there’s still talent here, yeah they are still “Real friggin’ Madrid”, but don’t look now, other Spanish teams (beyond just Barcelona) have some money too and they are splashing it around at a clip previously reserved for only Real and Barca. Not only is this club is unlikely to challenge for the La Liga crown, they may have to fight for their Champions League spot.