One of the greatest flavours of La Liga is its Latin taste. The South American influence in Spain is evident throughout the league and Argentina as ever can lay claim to some of the league’s finest stars.
One of football’s historic powers provides a number of players of whom much is expected over the coming season, and in years ahead.
Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid)
While Atlético will be expecting Maxi Rodriguez to score his fair share of goals; they will be demanding an even greater contribution from Kun. Fresh off leading Argentina to their 6th Under-20 World Cup, taking the Golden Shoe (6 goals) and Golden Ball in the process, Agüero will now be expected to play week in week out and producing the goods despite his tender age (19).
Having won the race to sign Agüero last summer from Independiente, the departure of Torres will place more responsibility on his young shoulders as he pairs up with Uruguayan Diego Forlan this season. Expect to see Agüero flourish this season and fully establish himself in La Liga.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
It will come as little surprise to see ‘Pulga’ (Flea) top the list of Argentines expected to have the greatest influence on La Liga this season. Already one of the great players of the world at just 20 years of age, it is surely just a matter of time before he reigns as the greatest player in the game at present.
Whether that status will be earned over the next 12 months or during the next 2 to 3 years we will very soon find out. Despite missing a portion of last season, Messi still managed to find the back of the net 14 times in 26 games (in La Liga), including a stunning hatrick against Real Madrid in a 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou.
Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza)
There is now only one Milito at Zaragoza following the departure of Gabriel Milito to Barcelona. And although the defensive leadership of Gabriel will be missed at La Romareda, the Blanquillos can still count on the goals of his elder brother. Milito had an outstanding season in 2006/07 and just missed out on the Pichichi.
Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza)
Providing the bullets for Milito will be Aimar. The diminutive playmaker moved to Zaragoza from Valencia last summer and had a very productive season. Much the same will be expected this season and the further blossoming of the trio involving Aimar, Milito and Andres D’Alessandro.
Maxi Rodriguez (Atlético Madrid)
Having missed 6 months of last season with a cruciate ligament injury picked up in an international against Spain, Maxi Rodriguez takes over the role of captain following the departure of Fernando Torres to Liverpool.
Following on from an excellent 2006 World Cup, Maxi extended his deal at Atlético until 2010 thwarting interest from some of Europe’s other top clubs, including Inter Milan. Los Rojiblancos will be counting on his leadership as well as goals from midfield if they are to break into the top four this season.
Clemente Rodriguez (Espanyol)
The left back restored his reputation after an unsuccessful spell at Spartak Moscow by returning to Boca Juniors and being part of another Copa Libertadores success. Espanyol moved in to snap up the full back and will benefit from his energy down the left hand side.
Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander)
The cultured centre back was linked with a number of moves away from Spain but has so far remained at the club. His performances last season put him on the brink of international recognition. Reward for those displays has resulted in an international call-up for Argentina’s clash with Norway later this month.
Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe)
'Pato' (Duck) finished last season statistically as the best keeper in La Liga, conceding just 30 goals in 36 games. This season Abbondanzieri will need to be on his toes once more as Getafe have signed Oscar Ustari as his backup and future replacement. Abbondanzieri’s performances will dictate whether that change is made sooner rather than later.
Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
The French born Argentine forward spent much of last season working hard out of position on the right hand side rather than scoring the goals he was brought to the Santiago Bernabéu to score. How Higuain will be used this season at Real remains to be seen, but whether it be upfront or out wide, he will be expected to add more goals and production to his game rather than the industry and unselfishness he exhibition since joining in January.
Roberto Ayala (Real Zaragoza)
A fixture at the back for Argentina and Valencia for many years Ayala made the move to Villareal in the summer. However, he bought himself out of the deal and left for Zaragoza citing that the club would be more suited to his needs and familiarity. Even at the age of 34 Ratón (Mouse) oozes class and will fill the void left by Gabriel Milito.
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