Gonzalo-Higuain-Leaving-Madrid

When Higuaín left Real Madrid in 2013, many critics said that he was making the biggest mistake in his career, and that it was a step back in his football life. Well, I can guarantee that those critics must now be ashamed of those words. The Argentinian is, by now, the most likely player to win the European Golden Shoe (former European Golden Boot), having scored an astonishing total of 25 goals in 28 games so far this season.

We’ve got to admit it’s pretty impressive, and the striker does not seem to be showing any signs of faltering.. Despite his age – he recently turned 28-years-old -, Higuaín is showing that he was mistreated in Madrid, where he was only in the shadows of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is clear that some may say that Real made a huge mistake in letting him go. I do agree, but Higuaín surely doesn’t: leaving the Bernabeu gave the talented striker a major boost in his career. And Napoli’ supporters are now immensely grateful to the former manager Rafael Benitez to have brought such a savior to the club.

Napoli have jumped to the top of the league, 2 points ahead of the current champions Juventus. Maurizio Sarri, Higuaín’s actual manager, said that he’s “becoming the best striker in Europe and perhaps in the world”. I couldn’t agree more: the Argentinian has awakened the interest of former UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern Munich.

The owner of the “Die Roten”, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, confirmed the German side’s pursuit of the Italian Serie A’s top scorer. Surely Napoli will not be willing to let their Nugget (translation of the Spanish term “Pipita”) go, now that he’s shining more than ever. But a fair offer (let’s say €75Million) would be very tempting. But let me be honest: if Zenit St. Petersburg are able to decline €90Million for Hulk, I don’t know what Higuain’s real price is. But that’s just my own opinion

Argentina’s National Team head coach, Gerardo Martino, now a real headache. When he can count on Messi, Dybala, Higuaín, Agüero and Tevez, to form the attacking trio (Argentina plays in a 4-3-3), the real trouble is which of those high-quality players will belong in the Starting 11.

In my opinion, I would rather see Messi, Dybala and Higuaín; they would be a fierce trident in Argentina’s attack. But we will have to wait to see if Higuaín is able to keep up with the high standards that he has accustomed Napoli’s supporters to.

In the Italian League, the striker is truly deadly: 23 goals in the same amount of matches. If he continues this level of form he will no doubt be one of the main candidates for the European Golden Shoe.

About the author – Luis Costa

Luis has a great passion for football and has been playing Soccer Manager for 5 years. He played semi-professional football for 13 years and is currently a regional referee in Madeira’s football association.

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Identity-of-a-Football-Club

How important is the identity of a football club? It’s a tough question to quantify and even tougher to answer when sentiment is concerned. With passions raised in south west London and Milton Keynes as AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons squared off in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last season, we examine how important the identity of a football club is commercially in terms of the business model and, more importantly, for the fans.

The first football match I ever went to was a Wimbledon game at Plough Lane many years ago. They were my local club and even when they moved to Selhurst Park I’d watch the original Dons in the halcyon days of Efan Ekoku, Hans Segers and Dean Holdsworth. What always impressed outsiders with Wimbledon was their identity: the Crazy Gang. Unperturbed by the incessant chants of ‘”long ball”, the Dons stuck to their footballing principles of direct, aggressive football under the stewardship of Joe Kinnear. These were the days when Kinnear was an astute, switched-on manager – a far cry from his demise in recent years.

It may not have been the prettiest football, but it never needed to be; Wimbledon had their identity, it worked and they loved it. Moreover, their local legion of fans embraced the club for what it was: small, in touch with the local area, and fearless. Their identity was set and every fan embraced what the club stood for as it forged its identity over a significant period of time.

When Wimbledon became MK Dons in 2004 the old identity was perhaps lost forever. MK Dons have never attempted to recreate the previous identity as history and geography play such a crucial role in the formation of a club’s soul. The Wombles and Wimbledon Common were impossible to recreate in Milton Keynes and the MK Dons were perhaps left with an empty vessel in terms of their identity.

A trip to the Stadium MK is a telling story; quiet, devoid of age-old chants, and at times passionless. This is certainly not a slight on the local supporters that will embrace the new clubs identity when it’s forged over a significant period of time. Perhaps one day MK Dons will have created their own identity that is synonymous with the Milton Keynes area as well as their unique style of play.

The question that leaves is, what have AFC Wimbledon been left with? Is it possible to recreate the identity of defunct club? AFC Wimbledon fans will tell you that the club has the heart and soul of the original Crazy Gang but in reality that is something that won’t ever be recreated.

Firstly, the fan base at AFC is from a different era – younger, vibrant and looking for a different style of play to what Wimbledon offered in the 1990s. It’s hard to imagine that today’s crop would embrace the original style of play in this era of tiki taka football. Secondly, no matter how hard AFC try, they won’t ever be the Crazy Gang. The players are different, the academy is different, those in charge are different; the soul of the club is not the same. The club itself has irrevocably changed.

However, one thing will fill the AFC fans with hope and positivity for the future – they created the soul of a football club once before, and they can most certainly do it again. It will take time but AFC Wimbledon can once again be an important institution in south west London. Furthermore, and crucially, south west London wants a Wimbledon competing at the highest level again.

Identity is everything to fan. It’s what they associate much of their footballing philosophy with. But what about in terms of commerce: can a club’s identity impact business opportunities? The key factor will of course be success on the pitch. Trophies will always attract the greatest number of followers off the pitch and consequently the highest bidders for advertising and sponsorship.

Lets take the example of Real Madrid, consistently the world’s richest club and most impressive in terms of commercial performance. For ten years their success has been sporadic and, without a Champions League trophy between 2002 and 2014, one would assume their monetary power would be impacted.

The reality is that over time Real Madrid has become an institution, not a club. They have an identity that boasts success, power and talent. Perhaps this originates from the days of Franco and the Madrid political powerhouse, but the powerful identity remains. They attract a global following and commercial sales that remain intact in spite of baron eras on the pitch.

This is because the identity is historic and one that oozes success. As a result, sponsors will often queue up outside the Bernabeu to have their name printed on the shirt or around the stadium; they want their brand associated with the image of success, even if tangible success isn’t forthcoming. In Real’s case, their identity is everything to a sponsor and their continued financial clout.

Perhaps the same can be applied to Liverpool. Underachievement on the pitch has plagued the club for over two decades now, yet they retain impressive sponsorship deals globally due to their history and identity as a local, historic, family club. The examples of Real and Liverpool suggest history plays a key role in ensuring the identity of club sparks commercial interest.

Chelsea and Manchester City will of course counter this argument as short-term success is always going to be a sure-fire way to attract sponsors. These clubs also have strong historic identities among their fans, but the attraction for sponsors is built on their short-term success on the pitch, not over time. If the Chelsea and City star should wane, it’s hard to imagine that sponsors will be queuing up so freely outside their doors. They weren’t there before, after all.

Yet Real and Liverpool show that in spite of underachievement on the pitch, their clubs possess an identity of success that is synonymous with its fans – rightly or wrongly. Juventus are also a great example – relegation and the Calciopoli scandal has not blighted their attraction to a sponsor and they still have enough income to justify the highest transfer and wage spend in Serie A.

The identity of a football club is, in essence, the very heart of a club. While the commercial boom of a club is vital to its potential triumph on the pitch, the key issue for fans is the identity within the stands. Most supporters will agree that their club’s identity is forged over a period of time, and they would be right.

That’s why AFC Wimbledon is not yet the local Wimbledon of years gone by. They will, almost certainly, be that club one day, but identities are forged over many years of loyalty in the stands, ups and down on the pitch, and among the hordes of fans that give their heart and soul and bit by bit make up the identity of a football club. It takes time, but that identity will live far longer than the period it took to build.

Most importantly, for longevity of success at least, a good identity will bring commercial opportunities and result in the formation of a powerhouse that will exist even when underachievement is prevalent. The identity of a football club, at the top and the bottom, is absolutely everything, and often the greatest measure of success.

About the author – Omar Saleen

Based in London, Omar is the editor-in-chief at These Football Times. A professional coach by day having worked at clubs including Fulham, QPR and Red Bull New York, he also writes freelance for a number of outlets.

twitter: @omar_saleem

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Ronaldo-Leaving-Madrid

After an embarrassing result, rumours of further discontent are going to come out once more.

In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s humiliating home capitulation against arch rivals Barcelona, a distinctly off-colour Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly confronted Los Blancos president Florentino Perez and demanded Rafael Benitez be removed as head coach, or he would walk.

An event of such magnitude is unlikely to have happened, and if anything of the sort did take place, then a swift apology from Ronaldo’s representatives and blame laid firmly at a “heat of the moment thing” will have diffused any hostilities.

However, something is not right in the Spanish capital, and when there is unrest between one of the most powerful figureheads in world football, and arguably the game’s most global superstar, something has to give.

Ronaldo is not one of Perez’s signings, and in the weird and wonderful world of Spanish footballing politics, such a fact still holds resonance despite Ronaldo’s achievements, and makes a summer exit more likely.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has stated his desire to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, and build the next United era around their former talisman, but competition is fierce, despite the astronomical asking price.

Paris Saint-Germain represent a major player in such a move. They have made no secret of their wish to bring Ronaldo to the city of love, and certainly have the funds to facilitate the transfer.

They will outbid anything United are willing to pay, and can make Ronaldo mega-rich, but the affection Ronaldo has for his former employer may sway his decision.

All of this is could be deemed irrelevant, though. At the end of the day, two people will most likely decide where Ronaldo will be plying his trade next season.

Jorge Mendes, who we know from the coverage the Ronaldo film gave him, has Ronaldo’s trust, 100%. He is one of, if not the most powerful figure in world football, and he has the ultimate cunning disposition to be able to persuade Ronaldo to do what he says.

The only man who can stop Mendes is Perez, and as previously stated, the Real president wouldn’t object to bringing in a substantial fee for a man he has never regarded as one of his own.

The exasperation was written all over Ronaldo’s face as he trudged off after being taught a footballing lesson by Barcelona on Saturday night.

Quite frankly, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are streets ahead of Ronaldo at the moment, and their telepathic relationship is only going to get stronger and more fluid – a frightening thought for any opposition.

If you take away Ronaldo’s five goal haul against Espanyol in September, the Portugal captain has netted just three times in 11 league games – astonishing when you consider his consistency throughout a prolific career.

It is not for want of trying. He averages an incredible 6.7 shots per game in La Liga, almost two more than anyone else, and when you consider he is down the goalscoring charts in fourth, that is a poor conversion rate.

Such profligacy can only be adding to his anxiety. The Bernabeu have remarkably never really warmed to him at the best of times, the reception he is getting now as he strops around the pitch is hostile to say the least.

Both Manchester and Paris give Ronaldo what he wants – to be the main man.  The almost cringeworthy self-adulation in the film was no act – Ronaldo really does have that high opinion of himself, and is that determined to be the best player, rather than a member of the best team.

Time for change. Every king’s reign has to come to an end, and abdication when still at the peak of one’s powers would be the most fitting end.

About the Author – Pete Hall

Freelance football writer working predominantly for Sky Sports. Also regularly write for Bleacher Report, Eurosport, FourFourTwo and numerous others.

Twitter: @PeteHall86

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Gareth-Bale-Kick-Start

Jackson Martínez – Atlético Madrid

Signed for €30 million in the summer, Atlético’s lust for the Colombian was hinged on the fact that they felt they had a ‘guaranteed’ striker; one who could come in from day one and add the striking firepower necessary for them to challenge for the title again.

After Mario Mandzukic failed to adequately replace Diego Costa in the previous season, the 29-year-old was seen as a safer option in that regard. “Simeone doesn’t want any surprises with his [number] nine this time, and so Jackson has arrived,” wrote Marca’s Alberto Polo, ahead of the season’s initiation.

Except, the ex-Porto man hasn’t been such a safe bet so far. He has scored just three times in 15 appearances for Atlético, and displayed few remnants of the dominance that typified his time in Portugal. But perhaps more pertinently, Jackson has struggled to adapt to the individual demands of Diego Simeone.

The situation isn’t so critical yet, given the recent history of stars taking their time to embrace such ways – namely Antoine Griezmann. But Jackson will have to make a more profound mark before the turn of the New Year, if he’s to stave off the encroaching pressure of Atlético’s other forward options.

Steven N’Zonzi – Sevilla

In a summer where Sevilla spent more money than ever before, Steven N’Zonzi represented one of the key members of their record outlay. Arriving from Stoke City for seven million euros, the 26-year-old appeared an ideal replacement for the departed Stéphane Mbia, and an effective foil to the combative Grzegorz Krychowiak.

But like most of Sevilla’s summer recruits not named Yehven Konoplyanka, the Frenchman is yet to make a defined mark in Andalucia. And what’s more, N’Zonzi has been the team’s most used summer signing in La Liga; starting seven of their 11 games to date, and receiving opportunities that a host of others are vying for.

In the all-encompassing rotation that Unai Emery and Sevilla rely on, particularly in midfield, those flattering to deceive won’t be persisted with for too long. Though the potential for N’Zonzi in the current team still seems exciting, Emery won’t be afraid to go a different route if the former Stoke man doesn’t up the stakes between now and the second half of the campaign.

Gareth Bale – Real Madrid

In a season where Real Madrid’s record signing has barely featured, the Welshman has still unintentionally found himself in the capital’s headlines. Though the reason for Bale’s stop-start campaign is due to injury, some high-profile figures in Madrid have put the blame on the player himself for his lack of fitness; while unfairly questioning his commitment to the club.

“You cost 100m euros Gareth, but you preferred to play 90 minutes against Andorra than play for Madrid,” wrote AS’ Tomas Roncero, after Bale’s participation for Wales prevented him from playing in los Blancos’ forthcoming game. 

In essence, it only serves to underline the fact that Bale still has plenty of work to do to win over the Madridismo. And now he’s healthy again, it’s time for the 26-year-old to become a key contributor in Real Madrid’s quest for honours.

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s form floundering on a rare occasion, the calls for Bale to step up – which seemingly will never go away as long as the Welshman is at the club – would be best served as soon as possible, for his own sake.

Rafael Van Der Vaart – Real Betis

Despite being made one of the highest earners at the time of his summer signing, Rafael Van Der Vaart’s assistance to a Real Betis team fighting to avoid relegation has been almost negligible so far. Through eleven games of the campaign, the Dutchman has appeared in just two of those, without completing ninety minutes in either.

Ahead of his move to Spain, the reports from the Bundesliga indicated the Van Der Vaart was struggling for form and ostensibly on the wane. But even still, followers of the Andalucian outfit are within their rights to expect a little more from a man with 100 international caps to his name, and one who is still only in his early 30’s.

“Betis is the perfect club for me to recover my level of playing,” Van Der Vaart told Marca earlier this month. Now he needs to show it, while letting his performances take pride over the bravado of the high-profile move. Otherwise, the Betis faithful won’t hesitate to retract their hospitality.

 Jonathas – Real Sociedad 

Much like Atlético and Jackson Martínez, the pitting together of Real Sociedad and Jonathas was supposed to give the Basque club a much-needed guarantee in the forward line. He had been prolific in a doomed Elche team last season, while the perceived upgrade in talent around him seemed to point towards a healthy link-up between player and club.

However, the Brazilian quickly fell out of favour under David Moyes, after only a handful of opportunities as the starting striker. In his place, the form of Imanol Aggiretxe has sentenced him to the bench. Or at least, it did.

With Moyes now relieved of his duties, there is a new sheriff in town. Eusebio Sacristán, most recently of Barcelona B, is the new coach at Anoeta, and for Jonathas in particular, it means a new opportunity to revive his campaign before it’s too late.

He might not be able to displace Agirretxe in the starting spot completely, should Eusebio continue the lone forward system, but he can certainly put pressure on the manager in regards to extending his participation.

About the author – Jamie Kemp

Jamie is a freelance sportswriter, who writes on English and Spanish varieties of football in the main. He is also the creator of the popular blog El Rondo; a spot where you can find regular musings on the world of La Liga.

twitter: @jamiekemp

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Lucaz-Vazquez

Despite his impressive season on loan with Espanyol in 2014-15, Rafael Benitez’s steadfast decision to retrieve Lucas Vazquez raised plenty of eyebrows in the capital. It wasn’t that the 24-year-old wasn’t respected in his ability; seeing a ‘canterano’ (academy product) return home was exciting if anything. It was merely a question of: how would he get time on the pitch?

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Jese Rodriguez, Isco and Denis Cheryshev were all candidates for the wide positions, while the first three names are automatic selections as long as they are healthy. Though being deemed good enough to be considered by Benitez seemed great in its premise, the prospect of Vazquez making any meaningful contribution to his manager’s cause seemed speculative at best.

For the first few months of the season, there arrived little by the way of dissuasion. Vazquez was only entrusted with a single start against lowly Granada, and otherwise kept away from the fire of the bigger contests

At least, for as long as it could be helped.

Come October, with injuries plaguing the Madrid squad at an electrifying rate, and a series of high-stakes games approaching, the Galicia native would quickly have his own high stakes to deal with. His second and third starts of the season would come back-to-back; first in the Parc des Princes against Paris St-Germain, and then at Balaidos against Spain’s ‘other’ best team, Celta de Vigo.

Vazquez was Benitez’s responsibility – given his insistence to recoup him from Espanyol – and so the buck would inevitably fall with him if things went sour. Not to mention, the two fixtures were vital to the manager’s footing in the Spanish capital. If Madrid stumbled, the axe would have arrived right on queue, with neither coming out of the other side looking so pretty.

As it happened, Vazquez and Benitez have emerged looking quite the opposite. And while it might not provide much substance in the long-term for the Real Madrid manager, given the volatility of the role, the 24-year-old can have reason to believe of something more profound.

In Paris and in Vigo, the wide player affirmed himself in a way that not many of the speculative candidates for Real Madrid’s attacking roles do. While most would argue that Jese and in some cases, Cheryshev, are more talented heading for goal, Vazquez stands above when it comes to combining his defensive duties with those of the more expressive type. In other words, the type that Benitez likes.

It thus comes as a stroke of fortune that Benitez should be the man to take Madrid’s managerial reigns. His early reign at the Bernabeu has been characterised by its solidity and pragmatism, while it was well known beforehand that the 55-year-old craves the order of his team as much as any other redeeming attribute.

Vazquez has given him exactly that, at a time when he needed it the most. The fact that he played with such reliability in two games of paramount importance – just days apart – is likely to have done wonders in the eyes of his manager, who must also feel a sense of satisfaction given that it was he who sought to bring Vazquez back to the capital.

In the all-consuming world of being the manager of Real Madrid, adding feathers to your cap along the way tends to be critical in terms of one’s longevity. If Benitez can lay claim to overseeing the transformation of a ‘canterano’ into a respectable first team player at the Bernabeu, it will not go unnoted; especially at a time where homegrown products are becoming increasingly scarce in los Blancos’ plans.

The benefit for Vazquez, of course, is a more assertive place in Madrid’s star-studded squad. He has the trust of his manager and an individual style that Benitez is fond of. “I don’t like to talk much about a player individually, but if Lucas is playing ahead of others it’s because he’s earned it,” his selector recently said; underlining his endearment to the 24-year-old.

Though Vazquez isn’t likely to ever nail down a firm place in Madrid’s starting eleven, when it comes to valuable squad players, few look to fit the bill better than he. And Benitez will be well aware of it now, if he wasn’t already.

About the author – Jamie Kemp

Jamie is a freelance sportswriter, who writes on English and Spanish varieties of football in the main. He is also the creator of the popular blog El Rondo; a spot where you can find regular musings on the world of La Liga.

twitter: @jamiekemp

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Casemiro-Real-Madrid

The style of play may not be to everyone’s taste, but Real Madrid deserve credit for their defensive record since Rafael Benitez took charge in the summer. Nolito’s fine strike in Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday was only the third goal they have conceded in La Liga this term, the best record of any team in Europe’s five major divisions.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been in inspired form between the sticks – the Costa Rica international has recovered admirably from being lined up as a makeweight for Manchester United’s David de Gea in the summer transfer window – and the overall organisation of the team has been impressive, but defensive midfielder Casemiro deserves a huge amount of credit for his contributions to Madrid’s watertight rearguard in recent weeks.

Casemiro first moved to the Spanish capital in January 2013, signing for Real Madrid’s B side from Sao Paulo, the club he had joined 11 years previously as a 10-year-old boy. He made his senior debut for Los Blancos towards the end of his first campaign, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 defeat of Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu. 25 appearances in all competitions followed in 2013-14, before Casemiro spent the following season on loan at Porto.

With Toni Kroos, Luca Modric and Mateo Kovacic also at the club, it was unclear how often Casemiro would be given a chance after returning to Madrid this term. He has, however, taken full advantage of his recent inclusion in the XI and Benitez’s commitment to squad rotation: having performed well against neighbours Atletico and Levante domestically and Malmo and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, the Brazilian was excellent again in the weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Celta.

Madrid lined up in a rather conservative 4-3-3, with Jese and Lucas Vazquez routinely tracking back on the flanks so that the shape resembled more of a 4-1-4-1 out of possession. The man tasked with sitting in front of the back four was Casemiro, who did an unglamorous job with the minimum of fuss.

Within the first 90 seconds, the 23-year-old had already snapped into his first tackle of the afternoon. It was to prove a running theme: Casemiro broke up play expertly, making blocks, interceptions and tackles and then sensibly recycling the ball to one of his colleagues close by. As a result of his disciplined positioning – Casemiro rarely moved ahead of the line of the ball – Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were able to shuttle forward and join the attack without worrying about leaving huge swathes of space behind them.

Madrid, in truth, were rather fortunate to concede only once at Balaidos, with Celta missing some fabulous chances and Navas making a couple of wonderful stops.

Their approach in general, meanwhile, will only have served to divide supporters further: some will praise the team’s organisation, commitment and discipline against an outfit who have started the season magnificently, but many more will not be happy at seeing arguably the world’s biggest club cede possession and territory to such an extent.

That debate, however, should not preclude Casemiro’s showings from being recognised or appreciated, who has done brilliantly since coming into the team. The Brazilian may find himself on the bench again when the injuries subside, while the merits of deploying him as a midfield anchor decrease when it comes to home games that Madrid are expected to dominate, but he has certainly played his way into contention with his recent performances and could become a permanent fixture in the XI for tough away trips to places like Celta.

About the Author – Greg Lea

Freelance football writer. Work published by FourFourTwo, The Guardian, World Soccer, Goal, The National, Squawka, Eurosport, The Blizzard + others.

Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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Mateo-Kovacic

It was a signing that caught many people by surprise. With Gareth Bale, Isco and James Rodriguez all already vying for the No. 10 role in Rafael Benitez’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup, the addition of another attacking midfielder did not seem like an urgent requirement for Real Madrid. Indeed, almost as soon as Croatian playmaker Mateo Kovacic sealed his €32 million from Inter, predictions of stagnation on the substitutes’ bench were aired.

The 21-year-old, though, has been handed a chance to shine earlier than expected: with Bale and Rodriguez both absent through injury, Kovacic was included in Benitez’s starting XI for the first time against Athletic Club last Wednesday and then looked bright after coming on as a substitute in Saturday’s encounter with Malaga, even though Madrid dropped points with a disappointing goalless draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With Bale and Rodriguez expected to be back for Saturday’s derby with Atletico, Kovacic’s performances have given Benitez something of a selection headache; while the Wales international is still likely to get the nod given his previous form and status as a favourite of president Florentino Perez, Kovacic has certainly won over some of the doubters who questioned whether he was good enough to make an instant impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Against Athletic last Wednesday, Kovacic was deployed not as a No. 10 but as part of a midfield trio in a 4-3-3 configuration when Madrid had the ball and as a central midfielder tasked with covering the left flank in a 4-4-2 when Benitez’s side were out of possession, with Cristiano Ronaldo moving up front alongside Karim Benzema.

The Croatian’s versatility will not be a surprise to those who watched him during his two-and-a-half-years in Italy: Kovacic played as a regista in front of the defence, as a central attacking playmaker and even out on the left, a position he was regularly used in at first club Dinamo Zagreb.

After giving the ball away twice early on, Kovacic soon settled into the game in the Basque country as Madrid took control. His passing was sharp and accurate, and his willingness to carry the ball forward helped Los Blancos to transition from defence to attack quickly.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 19th minute after an error from Athletic defender Mikel San Jose, and Kovacic was unfortunate not to double Madrid’s lead just before the interval.

After driving forward with the ball at his feet, the 21-year-old picked out Benzema out wide and, continuing his run into the box, brilliantly controlled the return ball with his right foot before forcing a fine save from Gorka Iraizoz Moreno with his left.

Madrid had to dig in after the break, with Kovacic contributing to a resolute second-half showing as the visitors ground out a 2-1 victory.

Saturday’s encounter with Malaga was frustrating, with Madrid failing to beat a side who have still yet to score a single goal this season.

Kovacic began the game on the bench but was introduced in the 60th minute and immediately made an impact. Though Madrid could not find the breakthrough, Kovacic again impressed.

“He has a lot of quality and dynamism,” Benitez said of the former Inter string-puller last week. “I already knew him from Italian football and I know what he can give us.”

The imminent return of Bale and Rodriguez will make things more difficult for Kovacic, but the man once described as a “mixture of Kaka and Clarence Seedorf” by former Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has certainly made a positive early impression.

About the Author – Greg Lea

Freelance football writer. Work published by FourFourTwo, The Guardian, World Soccer, Goal, The National, Squawka, Eurosport, The Blizzard + others.

Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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Illarra-La-Real

As Asier Illarramendi left the field following his splendid return to his beloved Real Sociedad, in a match against Sporting Gijon, he knew he was home. Trudging off the pitch, the man they simply refer to as “Illarra” received a very generous ovation from La Real’s loyal supporters. They know what a special part of Sociedad’s fabric he is.

The club’s new €16 million record signing, who endured an unsatisfactory stint at Real Madrid, was only too happy to return the favour – giving the fans a gratuitous clap to all corners of the Anoeta. David Moyes, his manager, embraced him too, greeting him with a firm handshake and a pat on the back for his solid outpouring of effort.

Illarramendi would’ve certainly been thinking how nice it is to be home.

His Scottish manager was especially delighted to have him back in the Basque country. When Moyes recently spoke of how vital a signing the 25-year-old is for his side, it’s obvious to see what a key component Moyes intends on him becoming for La Real this season.

“He can help everybody in the team, solve problems from central midfield,” said Moyes.

“He’ll also give me alternatives to play two or three in central midfield. Illarramendi and his return is very good for the club. Big signings like these make the difference.”

Illarramendi himself is very pleased to have made the move to the club where he spent his formative years as a footballer, but upon listening to him speak, it’s hard not to notice a part of him that wished he could’ve succeeded in Madrid.

“Things did not go as well as I would have liked,” he recalled.

“You learn from everything, the good and the bad. It was not so bad, though. In two years I won four trophies [the Copa del Rey, Champions League, European Supercup and Spanish Supercopa, although he played only eight minutes across those finals].”

With competition in the midfield spots relentlessly fierce in the Spanish capital, as well as the fact that he never seemed to fully gain the trust of Carlo Ancelotti, it’s nice to see him back at a club where he’ll be an undisputed starter and where he’ll well and truly have the faith of the manager.

Sociedad will be hoping the aforementioned conditions will be the perfect breeding ground for the player, who cost Los Merengues a staggering €38.8 million, to regain his shorn confidence.

Judging from his exhibits against Gijon, while he wasn’t at his absolute best, he appeared well on his way to getting back to playing like the Illarramendi we all know and love watching.

Right from the outset Illarramendi was the pivotal instigator in so many of Sociedad’s attacking phases. From his deep-lying midfield role, he’d drop in between the two centre backs (Diego Reyes and Inigo Martinez) and look to orchestrate his team’s forward forays. From these positions he showcased that superb range of passing of his. He’d unleash 50-yard aerial balls, play precise vertical passes into the feet of his attackers (often disguising them by looking away when he made them) and add some additional slickness to Sociedad’s work by playing some delightful one-touch passes.

His role could be compared suitably to the one Andrea Pirlo made famous. He facilitated from deep with intelligent passing, never needing to venture too far forward to impact. Plus by staying deep, he could actively cover Inigo Martinez, who enjoyed motoring forward (much like Giorgio Chiellini does for Juventus) from his central defensive post.

Key to Illarramendi being able to execute his role so effectively was unquestionably his masterful decision making. He never attempted any unnecessarily risky passes, but that wasn’t to say he played things entirely safely, though. He just got the balance spot on, only playing expansive passes if he knew he could complete them.

Obtaining such a thoughtful midfielder, who astutely processes every situation he’s confronted with and who adds so much finesse, guile and experience in central areas, will surely be a huge weapon in La Real’s quest to enjoy a better campaign than the last.

It’s all about being disciplined and never doing anything rash for Illarra, and that’s what makes him such a magnificent player for Moyes to have at his disposal in this position.

With Moyes’ boys having not scored in their opening two fixtures, once he completely readjusts to life back in San Sebastian, he should really begin to get this talented side ticking offensively. The likes of Bruma, Jonathas and Carlos Vela will be licking their lips at the prospect of receiving such brilliant service from Illarramendi throughout the season.

Back at a club who trusts him wholly should do wonders for his form this season. After all, if history is anything to go by, it would appear having a manager and a club that supports him is crucial for him to suceed. When he first broke through under Philippe Montanier’s expert guidance at Sociedad, he noted how grateful he was to the Frenchman for giving him a chance, saying: “I have to give very much thanks to Philippe Montanier, who has put a lot of trust in me.”

A similar belief was shown in him by his former Spain under-21 boss, Julen Lopetegui, who now coaches FC Porto.

“He [Illarramendi] is a guy who tactically understands everything you pose him and that, apart from the technical quality that is, the component of understanding the game that way, it helps you to be better still,” Lopetegui explained following the U-21 Euros of 2013, which Spain emphatically won.

He also went on to say that his charge was “fantastically furnished” for further progression in the profession.

There was no great surprise when Lopetegui tried to bring the man who he believes is the heir to Xabi Alonso in on loan, albeit unsuccessfully, to Porto last term, such is his adulation for the player.

Whereas Illarramendi ultimately failed to gain the trust of Ancelotti, which definitely played a major role in his underwhelming time at Madrid, he’ll have no issues with Moyes. The Scot knows what incredible gifts he possesses, and clearly intends to utilise those gifts by making him the focal point of his side.

Now back at Sociedad, all the components are there for him to suceed and get back to his best. Over the coming campaign there’s no reason to suggest why we won’t see him achieve just that.

What a difference simply being trusted and feeling wanted can make.

About the author – Edward Stratmann

Edward Stratmann writes regularly about the on-field aspects of the game, with a particular focus on tactics and analysis. In addition to featuring on These Football Times, Inside Spanish Football, Anfield Index, Just Football, The Eagles Beak, Think Football Ideas and JuveFC, you can also find Edward’s work at Licence to Roam, a football blog he started with his brother in 2013.

@licencetoroam

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