“Premier League or La Liga- which is a better football league?” this has been a debate going on since eternity. Both leagues have their own charms. Premier League is unarguably a league which is more competitive whereas La Liga is pure magic. Even though Barcelona and Real Madrid have dominated the scene in Spain throughout the course of history, clubs like Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Deportivo have shown that even though there is a duopoly of these two giants, it can be overcome.
Technical and tactical abilities of a footballer are tested more in Spain whereas English football is much more physical and relentless in terms of end to end action. In this article, we will take a look at five Premier League players who have the abilities to set La Liga on fire.
#1 Riyad Mahrez
Easily one of the most technically gifted players in England, Riyad Mahrez was one of the chief architects behind Leicester City winning the Premier League last season. The Algerian winger is blessed with excellent ability on the ball and can dribble his way past opponents for fun. With his gifted left foot, he is a magician on his day but we have seen the 26-year-old struggling to make his mark this season.
Mahrez lacks physical strength and work-rate big time but he is in a league of his own when it comes to just the technical areas of a footballer. Probably that is why Mahrez has been a stellar performer for the Foxes in the Champions League but not in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is a tailor-made player for La Liga and has what it takes to be a superstar in Spain if he decides to move there.
#2 Anthony Martial
The most expensive teenager in the history of football, Anthony Martial’s Manchester United career has been a pretty up and down one so far. This is his second season at Old Trafford but the Frenchman has not been able to make much improvement over his maiden campaign and the key reason behind that is the physicality of Premier League football. A player like him needs space to operate but he hardly gets that kind of space in the English game.
Martial is a player with an enormous amount of potential but his style of play is more apt for La Liga than the Premier League. The French international can play either as a number nine or a left-sided wide forward and his biggest assets are his pace, close control and ability to cut in from the wide areas. He can be a superstar in the Premier League in the future but his journey to excellence would be much smoother in La Liga.
#3 N’Golo Kante
Well, to be fair, Kante is a player who would thrive in any league in the world let alone La Liga. The Frenchman is a player who is one of a kind. Eden Hazard recently stated that sometimes he feels that he is playing with twins and it is true from every perspective. Kante is absolutely everywhere on the pitch with his astonishing work ethic and is on his way to win his second consecutive Premier League title with as many clubs.
The French midfielder has averaged 3.6 tackles and 2.3 interceptions every game this season and plays a pivotal role for Chelsea in the middle of the park. Despite his small stature, he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world and could work his magic in any league in the world.
#4 Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been often linked with both Spanish giants in recent seasons (mostly Barcelona) and it’s hardly a surprise. On his day, the Brazilian can have the world at his feet but has found it hard to dominate in the Premier League on a consistent basis. We have seen him being strongly man-marked and manhandled by oppositions as the opponents know it very well that if he is offered the space, he is more than likely to punish for their misadventures.
Coutinho is a typical Brazilian attacking midfielder who relies on his flair and technical abilities and is superb when it comes to beating his man with the ball. However, with his small frame, he often struggles against the big defenders in the Premier League. Coutinho, however, is a kind of player that would thrive in La Liga and would reach the heights of his career if he moves to Spain.
#5 Eden Hazard
Most people consider the Belgian superstar as the most gifted player in the Premier League at the moment. And his incredible solo goal against Arsenal this season proves why those people may just be right. Eden Hazard is gifted with incredible ball control, dribbling skills, flair and craft. The Belgian is a graceful player and is a treat to watch.
Real Madrid are known to be a long-term admirer of the supremely talented winger and we might see the move happening in near future. There are some areas like low work-rate and poor defensive abilities for which Hazard has struggled sometimes at Chelsea but Conte has been able to get the best out of him and the Blues are reaping the rewards for that. If he, however, ever decides to set sails for the Spanish shores, Hazard has all the abilities to be the showstopper in La Liga.
