Spanish Armada in the EPL

The English Premiership has seen a lot of improvement since foreigners started playing in the league. Recently we have seen more players from countries that have not been too successful playing in England and making a big statement, Players from Brazil, Argentina, and Spain have not been too hot, leaving the stage to French, Dutch and Germans to achieve the successful headlines.

But now things have changed over the last 5 years and the Spanish players are hitting it big in the EPL. Players like Fabregas, Torres, Arteta have all attained “Untouchable” status. If you have any doubts about Spanish domination in England, ask Liverpool fans who are still feeling the loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Today I’m going give kudos to some of the Spanish ambassadors in the Land of Queen Elizabeth. Also I’ll be giving shot outs to some La Liga Imports who are not Spanish.

We begin with the players who needed a huge upgrade in their games. Some have received decent playing time and yet can’t raise their game. Others have some factors hindering their progress, though not of their own making (injuries etc). Top of the List is Enrique of Newcastle and Salgado of Blackburn. They have seen a lot of games and playing time, but they may be in the wrong teams. Or perhaps, it’s not just not right for them to keep battling in the EPL. Salgado has achieved it all and should be in MLS or the Middle East enjoying a break, while Enrique still has a few years left in him and may need new scenery to get it right.

Players such as Pacheco (Liverpool), Rodrigo and Marcos Alonso (both Bolton) simply are not getting the required playing time and need a new scenery to showcase their talent. Amongst the Madrid faithful Marcos Alonso had plenty of admiration, so it was a surprise to see the young lad head to the North of England to Bolton, of all places. No offense meant but he could have developed more in France, Germany or Portugal (checkout Szalai or Javi Garcia). Rodrigo has had a few games, but way to few with an Elmander in form and Klasnic not doing to bad, chances have come very few for him. Both youngsters may be better off in a different team or league. As for Pacheco, well with a Torres, Ngog, Babbel amongst others leading Liverpool’s attack, I would be mad to say he should keep waiting for his turn. I got two words for him “GET OUT!”

I also need to mention imports who are struggling. Maxi Rodriguez is not looking anywhere near his potential. He has completely faded from the player who once played for Atletico Madrid. Fabio Aurelio is one suffering from the misfortune of too many injuries since he left Valencia. He is a very skillful player who could be deployed on the left wing of attack or defense and excellent with set pieces. I think it’s best he come back to La Liga. The question is, can he stay fit? Fabricio Colocini is a player I never admired during his La Liga days, so he can stay in England and keep giving inconsistent displays. But even he is not close to the biggest FLOP from La Liga and that is Giovani Dos Santos. Funny enough he is a flop for one reason, he moved to the wrong team in the wrong league. Giovani dos Santos left Barcelona for Tottenham Hotspurs 3 seasons ago. (It feels like ages ago, right?) I bet you he slaps himself everyday he thinks of this decision. He is better off in any country other than England. He had an amazing world cup, only to return to the killer of his dreams, Spurs. Right now his agent should be going around begging La Liga teams such as Malaga and Zaragoza. Surely, they could offer him playing time.

Now just before I get into the top EPL stars, I need to talk about a star who is not shining, El Niño Fernando Torres, who is having a struggling season. Honestly I can’t blame him. As if last season was not bad enough, with Benitez gone and Roy Hodgson in, this season started in such a disastrous manner so much confusion from the management and niggling injuries still popping up here and there. All these factors have lead to a weakened performance from El Niño. But as his performance against Chelsea showed, he still can deliver under the right circumstances. If only Chelsea had shown some balls and made that move for him, he would have been reinvigorated and scoring by now. He has to leave Liverpool unless they bring in a Coach who can take Liverpool back to a title contending position.

Now let’s leave all the gloomy tales and move on to the Heroes. This season we had a new arrival, well two and they were big money moves (rightly so if I may add). Yaya Toure and David Silva left Barcelona and Valencia for a new challenge in England. Both started very slow but have warmed their way into the league. Yaya Toure was not going to be a concern due to his physical strength, vision and goal scoring. This has only added to his accolades. The league transition was expected to be easier for him. Silva was the main concern due to his physique, but he has been hitting the strides and even getting into some challenges, what a sweet sight I tell you. Both players deserve a huge round of applause. Also amongst the Manchester city adventurers is an unsung hero in Zabaleta, not a headliner, but a versatile player who has been there at right back and left back, whenever he has been called upon. He is one player who if he wants to leave the EPL I would suggest a return to La Liga. The Ex-Espanyol player would be received with arms wide open.

Other notable heroes are Fabregas who anytime he isn’t on the field for Arsenal, makes them look like 3 man short and a bunch of 16yr olds. He is still in the wrong team if you ask me. But the maturity he brings to a side that doesn’t know how to kill games, is amazing. Pepe Reina is another player who has been amongst the bright spots in a Liverpool team worth forgetting about. Oh yes his incredulous errors do happen! (But aren’t the best guilty of such?) He is still without any doubt, in the top 3 best goalies in the EPL.

The Best Spanish player in the EPL so far this season it goes to a player who will never play for La Roja, Mikel Arteta. He is the man who when he is off his game, Everton falters. Too bad Atletico Madrid couldn’t get him back to La Liga. He deserves to be playing for a much bigger side. He is the lynchpin in Everton. Their season would have been even worse, if he wasn’t available. Good vision, eye for goal and excellent delivery from set pieces. If the English were not too proud to admit he is better than all their midfielders and grant him citizenship, he would have been a member of the 3 Lions. But wait I think he played for Spain at youth levels. Nevertheless, he is a standout and my top pick for Best Spanish player in the EPL.

Finally the best overall non Spanish player from La Liga, who moved to the EPL is Rafael Van der Vaart. He just started like he has been playing in England forever and brought an extra class to Totienham Hotspurs. Such a smooth transition. In the UCL, he has been on fire. In the EPL, he has netted 8 goals in 12 games. This says it all. Unfortunately, he has had a few injuries to deal with. Even so, he has shown the same class for which he has been known for, back in the day at Ajax. He is the buy of the season in the EPL and he was sold for only 8 mill euros. Amazing isn’t it? VdV is excellent at set pieces, a master dribbler, creates neat passes and can get in a tackle or two. I don’t know any Coach who doesn’t want such a player.

Did I miss anyone? What Spanish player or former La Liga player has impressed you in the Premiership?

Article by Raphael Harry for Forza Futbol