Rodri suddenly can't stop scoring in the #UCL. Got the winner in the final against Inter last season. Scores again to kick-off Manchester City's defence.🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/lqtAZHKe24
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 19, 2023
In previous times, Spanish players were generally encouraged to remain in Spain and hone their craft under the guidance of domestic coaches.
With English football’s reputation growing, though, and competitions like the Premier League now being home to an abundance of talented Spanish coaches, players from Spain, and other nations, are joining clubs in England, safe in the knowledge they’ll be under the tutelage of some of the best football coaches around.
Rodri is Spain’s top player in England
Of course, Spain is still a hotbed for emerging talent and there is a strong argument to suggest that English football still has a gap to bridge, but teams containing Spanish players are certainly competing on all fronts.
For instance, sides like Manchester City are filled with gifted individuals, with key players like Rodri performing to a high standard on a weekly basis.
According to the Champions League betting stakes, Pep Guardiola’s team are priced at 2/1 to retain their crown.
In contrast, Rodri’s former club Atletico Madrid is priced at 25/1 to win it, according to the Champions League title odds.
With his eyes on the prize, Rodri’s hunger is clear to see. However, he isn’t the only Spaniard showcasing his talent in English football.
In fact, a number of top players from Spain are plying their trade in the English pyramid.
Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Junior Firpo tasked with helping Leeds get back to the Premier League
Leeds United might be back in the Championship but the Yorkshire-based club are well equipped to come straight back up thanks to talented players such as Junior Firpo in their ranks.
A player who used to be on the books of Barcelona, Firpo could be a key man for Leeds in the months ahead.
With Daniel Farke’s Championship know-how undoubtedly contributing, alongside the evident quality they possess through players like Firpo, the Whites could be a Premier League side once again next season.
David Raya has already forced his way in at Arsenal
After recently joining the club on a season-long loan from Brentford, not many people expected David Raya to displace England’s Aaron Ramsdale so quickly.
The dependable shot-stopper has done exactly that, though, after forcing his way in for big games including Arsenal’s first Champions League group stage tie against PSV.
The Spaniard’s rise from Championship football to the sport’s elite domestic competition has been admirable.
Adama Traore desperate to impress at Fulham
Adama Traoré joins Fulham on free deal after many proposals, confirmed ⚪️⚫️
“I’m excited that Adama has joimed us on a multi year deal”, Tony Khan says. pic.twitter.com/tx2qFuza7H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2023
After joining Premier League side Fulham following his release from Wolves, big things are expected of Adama Traore in West London.
The former Barcelona prodigy’s career has stagnated somewhat, although a move to the Cottagers could be the perfect place for him to kick on.
The flying winger should be a dangerous weapon for Fulham this season as they aim to retain their Premier League status.
Other Spanish talent to keep tabs on in England include Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pablo Fornals (West Ham United), Alex Moreno (Aston Villa), Pablo Sarabia (Wolves) and Robert Sanchez (Chelsea).
