Predicting Malaga's Starting XI for the 2013-14 Season in La Liga

This summer may be one of the most important times in Malaga’s club history. With a European ban in place and Manuel Pellegrini having left to join Manchester City, the club looks like a far cry from the Cinderella side in the Champions League.

Bernd Schuster is now in command at Malaga and he will certainly have a huge task ahead of him.

Not only will Malaga be expected to remain competitive, fans will want to see the club build on last season. But with several departures already confirmed, and more likely to take place, Malaga cannot be expected to perform at the same level.

In this article we will take a look at the predicted starting lineup for Malaga next season amid numerous transfer rumors.

Keep in mind that there really is no way to truly judge who the club will be bringing in this summer. There have already been a few players linked to the club, so this prediction will be based off of possible arrivals as well as players who could stay at the club.

Note that all transfer rumors are courtesy of Transfermarkt.co.uk and all statistics thanks to WhoScored.com

Goalkeeper

Willy Caballero

There is no question over this position. Wily Caballero has been the rock and leader of Malaga for quite some time now and that is absolutely not changing.

Malaga enjoyed what many would claim was the best defense in Spain last season. Despite having a very good back line, all the credit goes to Willy. His leadership and presence made Malaga the club they are and he will yet again man the posts next season.

Kameni should feature as the backup keeper and play in the Copa del Rey. With two solid keepers in the squad, Malaga will not have to worry about this position at all. 

Full-Backs

Jesus Gamez

Despite minor rumored interest from Southampton, I fully believe that Gamez will again feature as Malaga’s right-back next season.

The 28-year-old put in a very respectable season playing over 35 games. His ability to pass the ball well allows him to be a constant threat from the back and link up with attackers as well.

His crosses would be missed were he to be sold, but it is his defense that would be the biggest loss for Malaga. Gamez was a staple last year and selling him just does not appear to be an option with no backup in place.

Eliseu

Surprisingly, Eliseu has not been a part of many rumors despite enjoying a strong season. Expect the 29-year-old to continue at Malaga next season due to his versatility.

Though a left-back by nature, Eliseu is also capable of featuring as a midfielder and winger. With several attackers set to leave this summer, a versatile player like Eliseu is essential to Schuster’s Malaga squad.

Though he can play in multiple positions, Eliseu will continue as a left-back next season. But do not be surprised if he is eventually beaten out for the spot by Victorino Antunes and forced to play more of an attacking role.

Center-Backs

Sergio Sanchez

Those hoping that Malaga would again feature the dynamic duo of Martin Demichelis and Weligton next season will be disappointed. ESPN has reported that Demichelis is ready to move to Atletico Madrid, meaning Malaga will have to fill a very large hole in defense.

At this point, there really isn’t much speculation over who will be brought in. However, Sergio Sanchez is the likely choice to take over.

Sanchez can play anywhere at the back is a natural defender. He likes to tackle and is adept at clearing the ball in dangerous areas. However, his aerial ability leaves much to be desires in place of the astute Demichelis.

Diego Lugano is also another possibility to start in the back, but a less than impressive season last year gives Sanchez the nod here.

Weligton

Though the duo has been broken up, one remains. Weligton is expected to remain at Malaga and will take over as the leader of the back line next season.

The Brazil international made over 40 appearances last season and it is easy to see why he is so important. His ability to intercept the ball and win battles in the air has made him an undisputed star at Malaga, but he has also become quite a threat from set pieces as well.

Whoever is paired up with Weligton in defense will have to be ready to be led. The 33-year-old is a veteran and will understand his role very well with Demichelis departing the club. 

Midfielders

Ignacio Camacho

Malaga’s midfield will take on new life next season as Camacho will likely become the new leader of the double pivot. The 23-year-old played in over 40 matches last season and is ready to take on a much larger role at the club.

Camacho’s ability to win the ball in the air coupled with his strong defensive presence makes him a very strong holding midfielder. He will have to watch his fouling, but overall, fans will feel very comfortable with Camacho covering the backline.

Recio

Not only will Camacho will be losing his double pivot partner, he will be losing both teammates he is used to playing with.

Inside Spanish Football has reported on a rumor linking Jeremy Toulalan with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer. It was known that the French veteran would leave, but the increasing rumors of Manuel Iturra exiting the club as well have put worry in the Malaga faithful.

That is where Recio steps in.

The 22-year-old spent last season at Granda on loan and grew a lot from the experience. His return will give Camacho a young partner to line up with and will provide a pairing for years to come.

But the new-look double pivot may actually improve next season. Where Camacho is very much a defensive midfielder, Recio is capable of being more creative. Malaga may be forced to put a lot on young shoulders, but the move may pay large dividends.

Julio Baptista

It is expected that Malaga will again rely on the services on Julio Baptista to play in behind the striker as the lone attacking midfielder.

The 31-year-old Brazilian grew into the role last season and showed that he was capable of linking play together and threatening from outside the box. He remains as Malaga’s only experienced player at the role, but it would not be shocking if the club brought in someone new. 

Forwards

Portillo

With Joaquin having left to join Italian side Fiorentina, Portillo should become the starting winger in his place.

The 23-year-old featured nearly 30 times for Malaga last season and is most comfortable on the right wing. His passing is the most impressive thing about him, but he is also able to get involved in attacks as well.

Though Portillo is rather young, he already has enough experience to slot into the starting lineup without much trouble.

Pedro Morales

Constant rumors all tell the same story. Isco will be leaving Malaga, but the only question is where he will end up according The Daily Mail. Malaga is all too aware of the coming loss and has made steps to prepare.

According to Football-Espana Malaga’s first order of business this summer was to sign Pedro Morales to a new two-year contract.  With Isco on the way out, this clearly means that the 28-year-old will be taking over the left-wing next season.

Roque Santa Cruz

One position that Malaga will not have to worry about is that of their striker. Though rumors continue to suggest that Javier Saviola is on the way out, Roque Santa Cruz is here to stay.

A recent report from ESPN stated that Santa Cruz was ready to take a pay cut if that is what it takes to remain at Malaga. He sees Andalucia as his home and future and does not want a move away from the club.

The 31-year-old forward scored 10 goals last season and was certainly a big game player. His heading ability and enjoyment of playing short passes with teammates will fit exactly what Malaga will need with an altered lineup next season.

Isco may definitely be on his way out with other stars following, but Malaga is not dead yet. Bernd Schuster will have a lot of youth at his disposal as well as some established veterans as he seeks to keep Malaga competitive. And there is always plenty of room for more purchases.

How will Malaga’s lineup look next season? Will the club remain strong in La Liga? Leave your thoughts and comments below.

Tre’ Atkinson. Follow me on Twitter for discussions about Malaga and La Liga.

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