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The summer of 2018 saw a plethora of new faces come through the La Liga door. The land’s top clubs, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all underwent a period of transition and inevitably, dipped into the market.
Apart from the trio, several other clubs also tried to strengthen their squads with a view on keeping the top three honest. Though not every signing has gone to plan, there have been a number of additions that have taken the Iberian shores by storm.
Thus, through the lens of this article, we would chalk out five signings who’ve had an impact this season and what distinguishes them from the other players who made their way to Spain.
Here is a look at them:
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#5 Alvaro Odriozola (Real Madrid)
Alvaro Odriozola was signed in the summer from Real Sociedad for a reported 30m as a back-up to Dani Carvajal. However, a string of injuries to the latter threw the former into action. Odriozola though, didn’t flinch and was up to the challenge.
The full-back made his Real Madrid bow on the 22nd of September against Espanyol. The Spaniard played the entire game and impressed. The stability he offered to the team prompted Julen Lopetegui and later Santi Solari to use him as a regular fixture.
The full-back’s biggest asset is his offensive play with his previous experiences of playing as a winger coming to the fore. On several occasions, the defender has shown superb skill to manoeuvre out of trouble and feed his teammates.
Through the course of the season, Odriozola has bagged two assists and been a constant offensive threat.
Defensively, he has been solid if not spectacular. But, considering how everything else has fallen apart around him, the defender has been able to hold his head high.
In 11 league games, Odriozola has managed 1.9 tackles per game and 0.6 interceptions.
Thus, highlighting that the Spaniard has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dull Real Madrid campaign.
Thus, he makes our list at No.5.
#4 Arthur Melo (FC Barcelona)
In the 2017-18 season, Barcelona was guilty of getting outplayed in midfield in several key contests. Thus, they went in search of a central midfielder and landed Arthur Melo from Gremio.
The Brazilian instantly hit the ground running with many believing him to possess the ‘Barcelona DNA’. The midfielder’s quick feet, one-touch passing and ability to wriggle away from defenders also drew comparisons to a certain Xavi Hernandez.
Though Arthur has been hit hard by injuries this term, he has showcased his quality whenever on the pitch.
In the league, he averages 49.3 passes per game at an exceptional accuracy rate of 93.7%. Defensively too, he has been sound and has helped the Blaugrana establish more control in the middle third.
For the past couple of years, Barcelona has moved away slightly from its style of possession football with Ernesto Valverde favouring a more pragmatic approach. While the debate of whether the switch was due to a lack of personnel of just a different mind-set is better left untouched for now. Yet, with Arthur in the mix, Valverde and Barcelona can revert to their old tiki-taka roots.
After all, he is being touted as the ‘New Xavi’. And if he is even half as good as his illustrious predecessor, he would’ve enjoyed a superb Barcelona career.
#3 Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
The teenager was signed in the summer by Real Madrid in a bid to bolster their attacking ranks for the future. However, a combination of injuries and lackadaisical showings by the current Los Blancos superstars threw Vinicius straight into the deep end. To his credit though, he has emerged from the test with flying colours.
The Brazilian scored four times for Real Madrid and was a constant threat up front. His trickery, mazy dribbling and direct running caused numerous teams headaches.
Though his decision making let him down at times, the teenager was certainly one of the Los Blancos’ better offensive players. At 18 years of age, Vinicius has time to develop on his end-product and become more ruthless in the final third.
On occasions this season, Real Madrid has looked toothless in attack with Gareth Bale, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vasquez all enduring sub-standard seasons. However, their blushes have been saved to an extent courtesy an effervescent, Brazilian teenager. Hence, it was just a shame that he was ruled out for the remainder of the season after injuring his leg against Ajax in the Champions League.
In the summer of 2018, Vinicius was acquired as a player for tomorrow. But, on the weight of performances this term, he has definitely proved that he is a player for today.
Hence, he gets on to our list at No.3.
#2 Clement Lenglet (FC Barcelona)
Clement Lenglet was signed in the summer from Sevilla as Barcelona dipped into the market to add more muscle in their defensive third.
The Frenchman was initially perceived as a back-up to Samuel Umtiti. However, an untimely injury to the latter allowed the former into the eleven. Since then, Lenglet hasn’t looked back with him establishing himself as the first-choice centre back alongside Gerard Pique.
In 17 league appearances, the Frenchman has garnered some impressive statistics. Through the course of the season, he has averaged two tackles per game and 1.1 blocks. In addition, he has also made 3 clearances. Thus, emphasising that he’s been in the right place at the right time more often than not.
However, his greatest strength has been his ability to calmly play out from the back. Barcelona’s passing style is extremely unique and not many are able to synchronise with it at the outset. Yet, Lenglet has fit into the Blaugrana philosophy like a glove.
The defender averages 48.7 passes per match with an astounding accuracy rate of 88.5%. Moreover, his long balls have been a real asset with him playing 2.7 long passes per game.
At the start of the season, many believed that Lenglet was just a squad player who would be a glorified back-up at best. Yet, as the season has transpired, the Frenchman has ensured that he is one of the first names on the team sheet.
And if he continues in a similar vein, Umtiti might just have to bide his time a touch longer than he anticipated.
#1 Rodrigo Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)
The Spanish midfielder was brought on board by Atletico Madrid in the 2018 off-season. Having represented the Los Rojiblancos at youth level, the move represented a home coming for Rodrigo. And boy, hasn’t he been superb on his return.
An elegant midfielder by trade, the Spaniard has helped Atletico control games in midfield this season. The midfielder’s superlative range of passing has complemented their usually dogged approach.
In 25 league appearances, Rodrigo has averaged 55.6 passes at an accuracy rate of 90.2%. Additionally, he has come up with 0.6 key passes per game, hence indicating that he isn’t too bad in playing the final ball.
Defensively, the Spaniard has been a rock in midfield. At 1.91m, Rodrigo accords the middle third a physical edge and rarely lets anyone get past him. A tally of 3.3. tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 2.2 clearances per game a testament to the fact.
Courtesy his sumptuous displays, the midfielder has been dubbed the new Sergio Busquets and a closer inspection of his performances show that the comparison is certainly warranted.
If he ends up scaling the same high peaks as his countryman is anyone’s guess right now. But, there is no doubting the potential Rodrigo has portrayed this season.
Hence, he takes the top spot on our list.
