Hassan Chamas
League seasons come and go in the Iberian Peninsula’s biggest country, but some things remain eternal. The nation that has so proudly produced top players, and dare we say sometimes, legends, spanning generations, from the great Ricardo Zamora to the young and ascending Bojan Krkic, passing by the mythical Raul Gonzalez. And yet, the country has never stopped giving players that will make sure to woo us every time they grace the sanctity of the football pitch.
Here is a list of players, some of which you already know, some of which you may be hearing about for the first time. But make no mistake about it: These players will be fully developed professionals in the near future, and if they continue on their chosen paths, will be future national team representatives. Here are some of La Liga’s latest little lads:
1) Antonio Adan – Real Madrid Castilla:
A product of Real Madrid’s youth team, young Adan has quickly risen to the occasion whenever called upon: He became a reliable replacement for Jordi Codina, the current first team 3rd goalkeeper. But that’s not all he inherited from the latter; an amazing stature – 190 cm – coupled with great reflexes made him the subsequent captain of Castilla.
In 2006, he – alongside other Cantera products such as Javi Garcia, Esteban Granero, Juan Mata and Alberto Bueno – led the Under-19 Spanish squad all the way to victory in the European Championships. With Jerzy Dudek and Jordi Codina all craving some action at Real, their stay at the Bernabeu could be nearing an end. Could young Adan be Real’s next Iker Casillas? Only time will tell.
2) Alberto Bueno – Real Madrid Castilla:
Another Cantera product, striker Alberto Bueno has been in and out of the Real Madrid first team since 2006-07, but has yet to make one official appearance with the Whites. These call-ups were the result of his impressive run in the Juvenil side, bagging a mouth-savoring 37 goals in 37 outings. Recent injuries to Dutch pair Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben initiated coach Bernd Schuster’s interest in him, and the striker didn’t fail to impress already, scoring one goal in Madrid’s 4-3 win over Real Union. Despite that being a little short of enough to see his team progress to the next stage, expect to see more of him this season.
3) Alvaro Negredo – UD Almeria:
It’s not easy to make it all the way and establish yourself as a first-teamer at a club as big as Real Madrid. Adding insult to injury is the fact that the Madrid hierarchy does not stress much on the importance having homegrown players in their team. That being said, Alvaro Negredo was very aware that staying put at Real would mean career suicide, as he didn’t want to be another Javier Portillo in the making, having nothing to do but warm the bench. As a result, he was sold in July 2007 to new Liga comers Almeria. There, he went on to become one of the biggest revelations of last year, netting in a total of 13 league goals, including against his former side. This season, the goods continue to be produced by Negredo, as the young striker has five goals in six league matches to his name already. If he continues at this rate, expect a transfer to a big club in the foreseeable future.
4) Pedro Rodriguez – FC Barcelona:
One of the newest stars the famous Barcelona youth production line has to offer. Pedro Rodriguez, habitually known to Cules fans as “Pedrito” is a 21 year-old Spanish forward that was brought in this past summer from Barca’s B-team to replace the departing Ronaldinho. Capable of operating on either flank or as a central striker in Barcelona’s forward trident, Pedrito brings in speed and pace to the team that was constantly criticized last season for a lack of effectiveness in front of goal. His impressive run last season – 6 goals in 38 matches – for Barcelona B earned him some scarce calls to the senior squad. Under Josep Guardiola, Pedro was fully promoted to the swim with the big sharks. Yet, despite the coach’s preference for Andres Iniesta on the Blaugrana’s left side, anticipate this young player’s name to shine in a couple of years from now.
5) Ignacio Camacho – Atletico Madrid:
One single mistake some fourteen years ago – Raul, anyone? – prompted the Atletico hierarchy to reinvest in the nurturing and growth of talent. Enter “Nacho” Camacho. The 18 year-old is Los Colchoneros’ latest piece of work after prodigal son Fernando Torres. The all-terrain midfielder earned his reputation by being an integral – and captain – part of Spain’s Under-17 squad that disputed the 2007 European Championships, guiding his team all the way to the gold. This earned him some recalls to the first-team last term, and he became a full member this time around, repaying coach Jose Aguirre’s good faith in him with memorable displays week in week out. At this rhythm, it won’t be too long before he starts orchestrating La Seleccion’s talented midfield.
6) Diego Capel – Sevilla FC:
Perhaps the most recognized name in this list. Great things have been said over the potential of Diego Capel (main picture), as the Andalucian was always up to the challenge ever since his first call-up to Sevilla’s first team four years ago. Originally a Barcelona youth-teamer, Capel came back to his hometown as he didn’t see many opportunities in Catalunya. His breakthrough and cementing of a place in the first team came under regretful circumstances: The collapse and death of fellow teammate Antonio Puerta little more than a year ago accelerated his establishment in the team. Since then, Capel never looked back, as his pace and acceleration made him one of the most talented young Spaniards around.
Having narrowly missed on the Spanish squad this past Euros, Diego Capel was handed in his Furia Roja debut by new coach Vicente del Bosque, and was simply brilliant, providing two assists in the 3-0 victory over Denmark last August. No wonder Real Madrid and Barcelona were heavily interested in him this summer.
7) Juan Mata – Valencia CF:
Diego Capel’s counterpart at Los Che. Another Castilla graduate, Juan Mata made the move to Valencia last season after discovering – he and many other teammates – that promotion is difficult, if not impossible, at the Bernabeu. Arriving at a new club with no first-team experience, it seemed that life away from home would be difficult for the youngster. However, Vicente Rodriguez’s chronic injuries pushed Mata to impose himself in the starting berth, and he swiftly became a fan-favourite at the Mestalla. Last season, the youngster had a major hand in Valencia’s successful Copa del Rey run, and notable mentions include a dazzling performance in the semi-final against Barcelona. This time, around, things do not look any different for Juan Mata, as the winger already has a notable four goals in eight games to his name in the league alone. With him, David Silva and Joaquin all present in Valencia’s midfield, it is really no surprise that David Villa is enjoying an astounding goal spree at the moment.
8) Sergi Busquets – FC Barcelona:
If Blaugrana fans were thrilled with Pedro Rodriguez, then they must be in another dimension with this player, who is, in my opinion, the latest crown jewel of Barcelona’s youth team. Coach Pep Guardiola promoted him from the second team after discovering his full potential last season. He gave him a start in Barca’s 1-1 draw against Racing Santander last September, a decision that he never regretted once. The son of former goalkeeper Carles Busquets, the player imposes midfield control at 189 cm. With the likes of Xavi and Seydou Keita “tutoring” him in midfield the best can be brought out of him. At times he is even compared Gennaro Gattuso. At the time of writing, he has played in seven out of Barca’s nine league fixtures. The last Barcelona youth player to earn that much praise and applause was a certain Lionel Messi. Needless to say, we all know how that turned out. 20 years of age and Sergi already is a first teamer at the Camp Nou. Imagine his potential and the heights he’ll achieve in a couple of seasons.
