Last season was a big one for some of La Liga’s young and new talent. We saw the emergence of Koke, Jese, Antoine Grizemann, Daniel Carvajal and Alberto Moreno. Even the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Rafinha made a name for themselves, showcasing an understanding of the game far beyond their years. As the new season approaches there’s a host of young talent hoping for the same success. Here are three of the top talents to look out for this season.
1) Ruben Pardo – Real Sociedad
The absence of Asier Illarramendi proved difficult to cope with for La Real last season as they slumped to seventh place, struggling to adapt to the demands of domestic and Champions League football .But if there was a silver lining for fans at the Anoeta it was the emergence of 21-year-old center midfielder Ruben Pardo.
Pardo is mobile midfielder with a bit of flair and physicality to boot while his defensive positioning may leave a bit to be desired at times his vision and passing are top notch and at 182 cm he has the height to contest aerial duels in the center of the park. He notched eight assists in only 21 games last season, a truly fantastic return considering he started 14 of those games on the bench. This season he’s expected to play a much bigger role as La Real look to challenge for a Champions League Spot once again.
2)Jose Rodriguez – Real Madrid
While former La Fabrica products Jese and Morata have gotten the plaudits in recent years, Jose Rodriguez has slipped under the radar, but that won’t be the case for long. On loan at promoted Deportivo La Courna, the centre midfielder will have ample opportunities to showcase his skill and vision at the Riazor this season. Rodriguez made his debut two years ago under Jose Mourinho becoming the youngest player in Real Madrid history to represent the club in the Champions League. Last year however he struggled for playing time competing with the likes of Isco, Modric and Di Maria. But all is not lost, despite the star-studded midfield at Carlo Ancelotti’s exposal Madrid were adamant to keep Rodriguez on their books, hence the loan deal, which speaks volumes to what Madrid expect from their future starlet.
3) Paco Alcacer – Valencia
A Valencia revival seems to be on the cards and this is the striker who could be at the centre of it all. Though Peter Lim’s laboured takeover still seems to be running into some repeated issues, the club looks set to turn over a new leaf and return to the glory days of a decade ago.
Enter Paco Alcacer. The 20-year-old Valencia product had an impressive debut season last year, after spending the previous season on loan at Getafe. 14 goals in 37 games including a hat-trick against Basle in the Europa League to bring Valencia back after a 0-3 deficit shows that he not only has goal scoring ability but a flair for the dramatic as well. Alcacer is reminiscent of David Villa in the way he plays, he’s skillful, extremely mobile with an eye for goal. Valencia fans will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of their former superstar this season as they push for Europe.
