5 English footballers who would thrive in La Liga

The Premier League has been called the toughest and most competitive league in the world, but La Liga is arguably the best and most entertaining. Over the years, we have seen quite a few players join English teams from Spain and find success, but it hardly happens the other way round.British footballers making the transition from the Premier League to Spain can face huge challenges as a few of them like Micheal Owen (Real Madrid) and Mark Hughes (Barcelona) have already found out. But the country does have the required pedigree within its ranks and some current players could go on to find success if they made the switch.Gareth Bale at Real Madrid is a great recent example, but here are five others who would thrive if given a chance to join La Liga.

#1 Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has gotten even better since leaving Liverpool for a £49m transfer fee and joining Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City side. He is having a great first season at the Etihad and, albeit still a bit raw, his quickness could put any defence on the back foot.

It is hard to imagine the electric English forward not shining in La Liga. He has a lot of technical ability and is also very composed in possession. At only 21, Sterling still has a long way to go, but he is already showing a great deal of maturity while playing for a big club.

Former Barcelona captain Xavi once said that the youngster has what it takes to succeed at Barcelona. Who are we to disagree?

#2 Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge just can’t seem to go more than two games without getting injured. At full health, however, the 26-year-old Englishman is an absolute menace up front.

He has the pace and technique to open up any defence and, with a playing style similar to that of Barcelona striker and former teammate Luis Suarez, Sturridge would be a smash hit in Spain’s top tier.

Since joining the Reds from Chelsea three years ago, the player has grown into a goalscoring machine, in spite of his unwelcome familiarity with the surgeon’s table. Sturridge’s fruitful partnership with Suarez at Liverpool would have probably brought the Premier League title back to Anfield had it not been for Steven Gerrard’s costly slip.

He would certainly be a success in La Liga. And all he would have to do is remain healthy.

#3 Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley, who currently plies his trade on the Merseyside with Everton, is an extremely talented midfielder. The young Englishman has also earned the praise of Barcelona legend Xavi, who thinks that he would be a great fit at his former club.

Speaking on Sterling and Barkley, Xavi had once said: “They have incredible physical capabilities and they are good technically. In Spain, we prioritise players who are technically gifted but both things are very important in football.”

He is a powerful player, also gifted with pace and excellent technique. Barkley would probably do well in any league, but his strength would really give him an edge in a La Liga midfield.

This player is destined for greatness, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he was snatched up by a Spanish powerhouse someday. He really has what it takes to succeed in the country.

#4 Jack Wilshere

Another injury prone Englishman, Jack Wilshere has always a special player when on the pitch. He hasn’t been able to contribute this season after being sidelined for recovery from a surgery to his leg, but he is expected to make a return sometime in February, barring any setbacks.

All that aside, a healthy Wilshere would be an absolute success in Spain. His excellent vision and passing, combined with his intelligent movement, makes him ideal for La Liga, and he would surely make a huge impact there.

Fans got a good glimpse of him when a 19-year-old Wilshere dominated the midfield and held his own when Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Emirates in 2011. Back then, he was up against Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets – a midfield trio in their prime.

His versatility would see him excel in any midfield position. He is great as an attacking midfielder, but could play in a holding role just as well. If he could ever get over his injury problems, Wilshere will certainly grow into a star someday.

#5 Jamie Vardy

Virtually unknown last season, Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy is wreaking havoc in the Premier League. The Englishman was playing non-league football just over three years ago, but now has the Foxes punching above their weight in the toughest competition in Europe.

Earlier this season, he went on an 11-game goalscoring run which saw him break the Premier League record previously held by Ruud Vanistelroy (the Dutch striker scored in 10 consecutive games). He has now scored 15 goals in total, and is tied with Romelu Lukaku at the top of the goalscorers chart this season.

Vardy’s skillset would make him a star in Spain. He is a hard worker, a tireless runner, very strong in the air and can score with both feet. His biggest strengths though, are his speed and directness – especially on the counter-attack.

He could probably leave any defender for dead when he makes up his mind.