The hunter becomes the hunted: Interview with Spanish football expert Graham Hunter

I love visiting the Camp Nou but it rarely has an English type atmosphere. Which is the most atmospheric ground in La Liga?

Depends on the day and on the game for the highs. But you rarely go wrong at the Calderon, on form Betis and Sevilla are pretty nifty. I really like the Osasuna crowd, always up for it, and when Athletic Club are on song, the fans are really noisy.

Barca to retain La Liga next season or Real to come roaring back? Any surprise packages?

Not keen on predictions till market’s closed. I am hopeful that even though Falcao got sold, Atletico Madrid can be strong domestically and abroad.

Asier Illaramendi to Real for €30m. Value for money or a huge gamble?

Good, organised player. Would be in favour of signing him if I were a tech director but not at that price. No.

Neymar is coming to Europe. You excited by the prospect?

Excited by what skills he has. Interested in his development. Happy to hear that he’s a good pro and a decent fella. But I’m not someone who believes he was the priority signing for this current Barca and I’m sceptical, although open minded, about how he and Messi work … More off the pitch and in terms of the ‘top dog’ over the next couple seasons.

Good luck to Neymar though. He can play a bit (would like him to lose some of the throwing himself about though).

Sad to see Malaga being picked apart after the thrills they gave us in Europe last season. Can they bounce back with Bernd Schuster at the helm?

It’s not so much about Bernd, although if he is fully focussed and on form they’ve picked a guy who knows what he’s doing.

Three key things matter:

1 – The owner needs to start behaving responsibly

2 – When you lose a great organiser and great leader like Pellegrini, you notice it.

3 – The loss of talent compared to what they can afford to buy has been damaging. If they can steady the ship and sign astutely plus promote from youth then I hope they have a fun season.

What do you think of Falcao’s departure to Monaco? I think it’s totally money driven and sad to see such a talent leaving for a league not ranked amongst the top.

I don’t think like that. If it were me and I had his talent then, for sure, I’d not have done what he has.

However, I respect the right of a top player to choose his destiny and, moreover, he bears no responsibility for the quality of La Liga’s football versus the quality of Ligue 1.

How will the teams promoted to La Liga fair next season?

Don’t know.

On a personal note, how will Aspas and Luis Alberto do at Liverpool next season? I guess Luis Alberto is more for the future.

Aspas will entertain and infuriate but he’ll get past players, he’ll have a go at goal, he’ll give the fans some hope of entertainment. Plus, Liverpool will have more solutions now compared to the number of drawn matches last season.

I hope Luis Alberto thrives under Brendan (Rodgers). I think he’s a talent, I think that when he assimilates what English footy is like I’m hopeful that he’ll shine, particularly in his timing about when to arrive in and around edge of box.

Do you get back to Pittodrie much these days?

Not bloody often enough. I miss it badly. But whenever I’m home I go. Really, really miss it.

How will Aberdeen fair next season?

I’m hopeful. Think well of the new manager. Saw his second game in charge and really enjoyed it. He’s kept some good footballers, especially Ryan Jack, and we’ve signed well. We’ll do better this season than last. For sure. Should finish second. Think we will.

Graham is the author of Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. I’ve just finished reading it and I have to admit it’s a stunning read from start to finish. It does what it says in the title and gives you a unique insight into arguably the greatest team of all time. A must read for any football supporter.