Third week into the new season of La Liga and the battles have already intensified.
Defending champions Barcelona had the most inauspicious start to the season. In the very first match of the 2019-20, Barcelona went down to Athletic Bilbao by a solitary goal.
Even Real Madrid dropped points against Valladolid in their second match. Only Atletico Madrid have had a perfect start to their season till now.
It is surely early days in the season but with the kind of money spent by La Liga teams this transfer window to bring in new and younger stars to bolster their side it looks like the season will only get better. And not to forget the likes of Messi, Ramos and other established names the sides already have at their disposal.
Here’s a look at some of the big La Liga stars this season and how they looked before they began their footballing journey:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
This long-standing Spanish international has captained his current side, who he joined way back in 2005, since 2015. The 33-year-old cam through the ranks at Sevilla and has collected four LaLiga Santander titles for Real Madrid. A centre-back by trade, his current tally of 61 goals in Spain’s top tier is particularly impressive!
Alvaro Morata (Atletico de Madrid)
This Spanish international striker has played for both of Madrid’s big sides. He started out at Real Madrid and following a stint in Italy returned to win the 2016/17 LaLiga Santander title. After a short spell in England, he’s back firing in the goals with Atleti.
Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
This 2010 World Cup winner has only ever represented one club during his time in Spain, his beloved Sevilla. He starred for them for a decade between 2003 and 2013, before spending four years in England and then returning in 2017. The right-back is such a legend that the club even decided to name a stadium at their training complex after him.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
2019-20 will be his first season in LaLiga Santander. Big things are expected of this young Dutch international, who won the Eredevisie Talent of the Year award last season for his performances during Ajax’s title-winning campaign.
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Having not missed a LaLiga Santander fixture since April 2016, this Athletic Club forward is a fan favourite at San Mamés. He has appeared in 120 consecutive LaLiga matches since then, untouched by injury, suspension or bad form. Both reliable and effective, he topped Athletic’s goal scoring charts last season with 13 goals.
Joaquin (Real Betis)
Born in 1981 in El Puerto de Santa María near Cádiz, this LaLiga icon made his debut for Real Betis in 2000 at the age of just 19. He has played for three different clubs in Spain over the course of his career (Betis, Valencia and Malaga) and is currently in his second stint with his beloved Real Betis. No other active player has made more appearances in Spanish football’s top flight (519 and counting!).
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