With the beginning of a new year comes the chance for those in La Liga to force themselves into contention for their respective teams, whether at club or international level. So without further ado, here are four players to keep an eye on in 2015.
Jese Rodriguez: 2014 had promised so much after a good start to his first full season in Real Madrid’s first team, where he scored five goals in 18 appearances. A product of the cantera, whose ability to hold down a first team place, a rarity in itself, led to talk of a possible call-up to Spain’s World Cup squad. Sadly, those dreams were horribly curtailed in March when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving him sidelined for nine months.
However, last month Jese made his return from injury in the Copa del Rey, which was encouraging to see for this excellent talent. Fans of Los Merenegues will hope the forward can use 2015 as a springboard to play his way back into the first team and break into the national squad.
Jonny Castro: The right-back may be just 20-years-old but Jonny has done well to hold down a place in Celta Vigo’s squad since making his debut at 18 back in September 2012. From that day onwards Castro has made 65 appearances for the club, which include 17 this season, putting in some admirable performances this year – especially Os Celestes’ famous 1-0 victory against Barcelona in early November.
Castro has become a valued member of the squad and his domestic form has been rewarded on the international stage by breaking into Spain’s U21 squad. If the versatile full-back can continue his good form in 2015 it won’t be long before he wins admirers from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Marco Asensio: Asensio is seen as one of Spain’s most exciting talents, as the midfielder has enjoyed an excellent few months for Real Mallorca. Since making his debut as a 17-year-old in October 2013 he has gone from strength to strength. So far this season in the Segunda Asensio has shown his precocious talent, scoring three goals and claiming six assists in 17 games.
The fact both Real Madrid and Barcelona actively pursed him highlights his potential. In the end Los Blancos won the race for his signature, signing him on a five-year contract for less than €4m. As part of the deal Asensio will stay on loan with Mallorca until the end of the season. But a new and exciting chapter lies in store for Asensio at Santiago Bernabeu.
Adama Traore: The 18-year-old has lately been the talk of many fans at Cam Nou with his excellent displays for Barcelona B in the Segunda. Exhibiting pace but also creativity that can quickly fashion chances for his fellow players, his statistics this season show how productive he’s been. 17 League games have yielded two goals and eight assists with Traore representing a real threat.
His performances have led to calls to promote Traore to the first team so to make sure his development continues and his talent isn’t stunted. There have been rumours the winger might be sent on loan to get first team experience within La Liga but either way, the only way is up for Traore.
