Stars that La Liga desperately need to stay

Yes, ultimately we know that either Barcelona or Real Madrid will win the 2011-2012 la liga title. At the end of the day however, there is still 18 other teams that are either fighting for a place in Europe or desperately trying to avoid getting relegated. In this post I'd like to look at some of the stars that do not belong to the top 2 that may be on their way out this summer. I'm am also trying to be hopeful that they would stay otherwise the league would lose interest.

Athletic Bilbao:

Iker Munain: The 18 year old winger has been an undisputed starter this season on the left wing under Joaquin Caparros. He has entertained viewers week in week out and is one of the rising stars of la liga

Javi Martinez: The 22 year old is a world cup winner and there is reportedly lots of interest in him from other teams. He has had a decent campaign so far and could be on the way out.

Fernando Llorente: The big number 9 is a wanted man over Europe especially in the Premier league. His dangerous ability to win headers and to fight at the end of crosses has got him 17 goals this season. Like all journalists, Tottenham Hotspur couldn't believe themselves when they had an astonishing £26 million bid turned down by Bilbo. However will they come back for the Basque striker in the summer? He doesn't mind staying at Bilbao but will champions league football or an increased wage lure him away from Spain? I must confess my opinion that it would be very hard for Athletic to hold on to their man.

Atletico Madrid:

Sergio Aguero: Kun has continued to carry Atletico this season with Forlan's departure looking very likely. Lots of teams are in for him because he's matured now and is a very good finisher. He looks very likely to stay after saying that he'd like to honor his current deal which lasts until 2014.

Diego Forlan: Back in July the idea struck me that la liga would feature the world cup's best player. This however has turned around completely on me. Forlan has mainly featured off the bench at this end of the season and judging by the behavior its clear to see that there has been some sort of falling out at Atletico. It is almost certain that he is headed for the exit door in the summer but I'd still be hopeful of him staying in Spain at least. La liga would loose a very good footballer if he goes.

David De Gea: Atletico's very young and promising keeper has got himself on the radar of many top clubs this season. Clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United who have goalkeeper problems have all confessed that he has the talent. The English media have begun to say that a deal with Manchester United will be completed within the next two weeks. It's certain that he has talent and plenty potential for the future, but is he good enough to become Manchester United's No.1? Honestly I think that he isn't ready for that big of a move as yet. He needs at least another year to gain some experience to be playing for such a big club.

Espanyol:

Jose Callejon: A former Real Madrid youth product, Callejon has lit up the Cornella -El Prat at times this season. By now Madrid maybe wondering how he was able to get away from their sights. The winger is very important if they are to improve next season, bearing in mind the fantastic start they had to this campaign.

Pablo Osvaldo: Osvaldo has been very impressive this season. A key player for them which almost booked a place in Europe next season. He has been so impressive, he's earned a special scouting visit from Harry Redknapp who traveled to watch the Buenos Aries born forward. Whether it's a done deal or not only time will tell, doing a bit of research, some websites are reporting that Osvaldo signed for 15.6 million to Tottenham Hotspur. It's most likely false but with Espanyol failing to secure a place in Europe, will Tottenham lure him away having already secured a place in the Europa League?

Sevilla:

Alvaro Negredo: Another one of the Madrid youth system, Negredo has bagged 18 goals for Sevilla this season. He has attracted alot of interest from the Premier League with most clubs looking for that extra foward. Unfortunate to be over-looked for Spain's successful world cup squad, may be the likes of Roman Abramovich are having serious conversations on whether to invest in him. However with Luis Fabiano gone back to Brazil, Sevilla will try very hard to keep their man for next season with the Europa League to look foward to.

Diego Capel: One from Sevilla's very own youth system, Capel has been impressive this season and he will have many managers pondering on whether to have the exciting winger in their side.

Diego Perotti: The young Argentine winger has attracted a lot of interest this season. Again its Harry Redknapp involved as he has showed his interest in the player. Spurs look to be invading Spain this summer as they fight for Champions League next year. Perotti is young and is an exciting prospect for the league in the future years if he stays.

Jesus Navas: The little right winger has been excellent for Sevilla this season. His quick dribling and ability to run at defenders is what a lot of teams are looking for, especially in the Premier League. Many of England's top clubs are desperately looking for extra width in their sides and they may turn towards the world cup winner for an answer.

Valencia:
Vincente Guaita: During the season established himself in the starting 11 but later replaced by Cesar. The 24 year old keeper has a bright future and with the arrival of Diego Alves from relegated Almeria, he may force a move to secure regular football. Lets hope that he stays in Spain rather than a move to another country.

Ever Banega: A long target of Liverpool, Benega was crucial to Valencia's 3rd place finish this year. With Liverpool given funds to spend in the summer and Arsenal needing to bring in new players after another trophy-less year, The Premier League might be his likely destination. Be assured though, that Valencia will do all they can to keep their current squad and build on it for next year.

Juan Mata: Valencia may be forced into selling their star as a payment of 20-30 million is believed to be needed for the servicing of the Mestalla. According to some football websites, this money can be acquired from the sale of Mata. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are believed to be interested in the world cup winner. Financial problems may yet again see Valencia lose a top player.

Villarreal:

Borja Valero: The surprising season that Borja has had was unpredictable considering that he was initially loaned out from West Bromich Albion. He has proved to be a key signing for the submarines and his deal has been made permanent to a 5 year contract. He looks almost certain to be a Villarreal player next year having only joined this season.

Giuseppe Rossi: By far the best spell in a Villarreal shirt for Rossi. Over 30 goals scored in all competitions this year, he is one of the hottest strikers around and is a wanted man all over Europe, especially in Italy where Milan, Inter and recently Roma are fighting for the signature of the future of the national team. He has not only performed admirably for his club, having reached the semis of the Europa League, but has also been a key player for Italy post world cup. A late equalizer against Germany and a goal vs Ukraine is what Cesare Prandelli was hoping for given the job of developing the new face of the Azzuri. At 24 he still has lots of years in him and could be a major star for whoever he plays.

As reported by Forza Futbol, there is set to be departures of Spanish players to other leagues where they can earn much more money. It is therefore important that the various clubs try their best to hold on to there stars otherwise television audience will suffer and so will the league. The situation with the television deals for the big 2 have to be resolved quickly and the weaker teams must ensure that they are financially stable so that they can challenge for titles. It is very important that these players stay to keep the league attractive for viewers world wide to watch.

Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao: dare to think the unthinkable?

David Lopez holds the key for Bilbao

A new column looking at La Liga through the fantasy football lens.

The match of the weekend? Barcelona are wounded and will be sweating to get back to winning ways. Bilbao never win against Barca, but three of their last 5 meetings have been draws, and the Basque side have been in good form. For Barca, two of their most essential players, David Villa and Carles Puyol are doubts with injury.

After Barca's draw at Gijon, and in the run up to the Champions League tie with Arsenal, there was great speculation around the question: how do you stop Barcelona? Gijon and Arsenal, both with very different approaches, showed it could be done. And now, Bilbao, who are one of the most fluent teams in La Liga at present, may just dare to believe they can do the unthinkable and stretch the Catalans' winless streak to three.

Up until last week's surprise loss at Mallorca, Bilbao had been the form side in La Liga, winning four on the trot and scoring 2 or more in each game.

3-0 v Sporting Gijon
2-0 @ Atletico Madrid
3-0 v Hercules
2-1 v Santander

They have also been scoring goals from across the team showing they are not totally dependent on star striker Fernando Llorente. Starlet Iker Muniain is a constant thorn in the opposition side, and Gaizka Toquero has flourished in partnership with Llorente up front. However, the man who really makes them tick, and has been at the heart of these stellar performances has been midfielder David Lopez.

Lopez takes all set pieces and has been racking up great stats over the four games (and the season generally). As Bilbao have soared into 5th place, so too has Lopez's value soared in the FF market. Even as his side lost at Mallorca, he still registered as excellent 11 points from shots on target, corners, crosses and tackles. He has 2 goals and 4 assists for the season, but the key stat might be the amount of successful crosses he delivers. He has 42 for the season. His nearest rivals fall some way short: Real Madrid's Mezut Ozil has 31, Sociedad's Xabi Prieto has 34.

Javier Martinez shares the midfield load, his speciality being to weigh in with vital goals. He has 4 for the season and only Llorente has taken more shots on target for Bilbao.

If Bilbo have any chance they need to get the ball to Lopez so he can feed the talent around him. It will be up to Lopez to get a foot hold in this match and if he can Bilbao have every right to believe they have a chance.

Johnson also writes for Fantasy Football: La Liga
Play Yahoo Fantasy Football La Liga.

Best of Jornada 22 in La Liga

Time to pay homage to those players that really impressed this past week.


GOAL:

Just for that awesome save that was just out of this world, My hat goes off to Vicente Guaita from Valencia. Incredible piece of skill and timing against Hercules in the derby Valenciano. What vision! What reflexes! What a stretch! Mystifying.


DEFENSE:

Kudos go to a player out of position (Eliseu), an over the hill veteran (Ballasteros) and one who stepped up to the captaincy (Fernando Navarro).

Normally a left winger, Eliseu was asked to play at Left Back for Pellegrini in the Andaluz derby against Sevilla. That said, he was solid and handled his defensive and offensive duties with ease. Shame the finishing by the anchovies was lacking.

Big, thick, over the hill, these are some of the names often heard by Sergio Ballasteros, but this week the central defender had a massive game (no pun intended). He was part of the five man defensive wall, that coach Luis Garcia played at the back against the red hot Villarreal in El Madrigal. The Granotes surprised the Yellow Submarines and Ballasteros did the same. Quality display.

Fernando Navarro was one of the few shining stars for Sevilla in the Andaluz derby. He came through with some critical tackles to halt the Malaga attack and the Euro champion let his actions speak, as he allowed very little goal penetration by the opposing side.


MIDFIELD:

Brasilian superstar, Rikki Kaka had one of his best games with Los Merengues this season. He played with calmness, stealth and velocity. He opened the flood gates, with the opening goal against Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu. The best man on the pitch without a doubt.

After a poor run of form and a consecutive string of losses, Getafe came back to life and trounced Deportivo La Coruña. The one man who was involved in nearly every single play was Jaime Gavilan. Incredible game.

Solid in the center and even bagging a goal, Hernan Bernardello has been a key player for Almería over the past few games. The ex-Newell's hard man has really made the difference for the little Andalusian club. He was instrumental in holding the win against a very difficult Espanyol.

The trickster, el travieso Iker Muniain has been playing out of his skin. The 17 year old enganche received his first call up tothe Spain U-21s and was eager to show Coach Milla that this was not a fluke. Against Sporting Gijon, he started on the wings, but moved into the middle and became the sublime playmaker. I love watching this kid grow and fulfill his potential at Athletic, in front of our very eyes. He is the real deal. It was fantastic to see him play with Ander and Javi Mar in the U-21s this week, as well.


UPFRONT


Messi, Messi, Messi - hat trick king extraordinaire now tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the pichichi. He ran rampage over Atletico de Madrid with ease. Doesn't he link up so well with Alves, El Guaje Villa and Pedro?

Cristiano Ronaldo was fit to be tied. He is obsessed over that pichichi trophy, so he netted two against Real Sociedad. Incredible drive and skills.

Finally Getafe's coach Michel plays two strikers upfront and brings back Adrian Colunga into the starting eleven. Well, the ex-Recreativo striker proved his worth by scoring a brace and spurring the team on to win in the process. Colunga started off the season slow and nervy, but it looks like the mighty mite has finally found his groove. Stupendous game.


GUAITA (VALENCIA); ELISEU (MALAGA), BALLASTEROS (LEVANTE), FERNANDO NAVARRO (SEVILLA); KAKA (REAL MADRID), GAVILAN (GETAFE), BERNARDELLO (ALMERIA), MUNIAIN (ATHLETIC); MESSI (BARCELONA), RONALDO (REAL MADRID), COLUNGA (GETAFE)

LA LIGA Team of Round 20

GOAL KEEPER:

PISCU CUELLAR (SPORTING GIJON)

His goal mouth took a pounding from Diego Forlan and company. But the unheralded GK from the original rojiblancos stood firm against Los Colchoneros. A well earned clean sheet to boot.


DEFENDERS:

SERGIO SANCHEZ (SEVILLA)

The feel good story of the season. Sanchez returns to the backline of Sevilla, his first game in the starting 11, after diagnosed with a heart condition. He had a solid game against Levante. Perfect timing for the Nervioneses, who have been lacking in the back.


CARLOS GARCIA (ALMERIA)

Another amazing game for the 26 year old stopper. The team just squeaked by with their first win at home against Osasuna. Garcia came through upfront, as well, with a goal.


JOSE NUNES (MALLORCA)

What can you say, but the veteran had another amazing game as the Barralets were able to hold off Real Madrid for a good 60 minutes. He and Ivan Ramis are a solid team. Nunes is both a leader and a fighter.

MIDFIELD

SERGIO GARCIA (ESPANYOL)

The new kid on the block is on a bit of a roll. He finally gets a start and he delivers with an assist and a goal. An instrumental player in the come back and trouncing of Getafe. It's good to see the Euro Cup winning player, rekindle his career.

PONZIO (REAL ZARAGOZA)

The Argentine hard man is starting to believe in the new regime under Javier Aguirre. Los Blanquillos are on a bit of a one nil run and this time the victim was Deportivo in La Romareda. Ponzio stole balls, made key tackles and help control the pace of the game. No crazy red cards either.

JULIO BAPTISTA (MALAGA)

The Beast is back in Spain and this time he is at Málaga. He had a fabulous debut, as he was very dangerous on the counter against Valencia. His physical presence was an ever present threat, even when the team was down to 9 men. Plus his goal was a piece of individual brilliance.

IKER MUNIAIN (ATHLETIC BILBAO)

Prodigy, genius, playmaker, winger extraordinaire. This kid is the real deal and he was an amazing force for Athletic against Hercules. His pace and agility on the wings were critical, as he brought the attack forward. His goal was just the icing on the cake.


STRIKERS:

LUIS FABIANO (SEVILLA)

Luisfa is back with a hat trick. Sure he started off the season with a lackluster attitude, but O Fabuloso is starting to get his groove back, just in time for the business end of the year. Look to Sevilla to make a run up the table.

DAVID VILLA (BARCELONA)

When you think Barça you think Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, the list goes on. But look how easily el Guaje has acclimated into the La Masia system! Give the Asturiano some credit. The football ace is used to being the center of all the action in his former clubs, but now he is willing to play at left, right, middle, or as a supplier. He was terrific against Racing Santander as he was a part of every goal scoring play.

GUISEPPE ROSSI (VILLARREAL)

The Jersey boy is having his best season ever. Nilmar his strike partner is hurt, but he and Marco Ruben are making it work. With the return of Santi Cazorla from a little break, Rossi was on fire against a very difficult opponent, Real Sociedad. A brace for Beppe, who has now racked up 11 goals!