La Liga 2008/9 Preview: Part One

A new La Liga season is about to start. Real Madrid will try to win their third title in a row. Barcelona will be their main challengers, but not the only ones—Seville, Villareal and Atletico de Madrid will also be in the hunt.

Join me, as I take a look at the contenders to lift the title in May:

1. Real Madrid

The defending champions face the upcoming season with a couple of additions. After the frustrated signing of Ronaldo, the Dutchman Rafael Van der Vaart will give depth to the team. Former Getafe loanee and Spanish international, Ruben de la Red, also rejoins his alma mater.

The team is already built, after a couple of seasons spent signing key players. Casillas is the star of a team that mixes youth and experience. There is no need to introduce players such as Raul, Robben, van Nystelroy, Sneijder or Ramos. They are world class players.

Guys like Higuain, Marcelo, Gago, de la Red and even Pepe are emerging players that could have a breakout season. Pay special attention to de la Red.

In my opinion, Real Madrid have a real team. Above individuals the team has a solid base, and is the favourite to win La Liga again—without needing to sign the selfish Cristiano Ronaldo.

2. FC Barcelona

After a disgusting season, the Catalonians will try to change the dynamic this year. Coach Frank Rjikaard was fired, and former player Pep Guardiola will replace him. Deco and Ronaldinho are out too.

A new era begins for Barcelona, and the summer signings are very interesting. Daniel Alves is, in my opinion, the best right wing-back in the world, and is joining Messi—building an atomic dynamic duo.

Seydou Keita will provide muscle and strength in the midfield. They have also reformed the defence, and the team looks pretty nice.

However, they really need a healthy Leo Messi for the entire season. He is a special player, and absolutely a difference maker.

FC Barcelona also needs Samuel Eto’o—and they need a hungry Samuel Eto’o. Guardiola has to look for a way to keep him motivated.

With Iniesta and Xavi in the midfield, they have a depth and talented team. If they start fast and are able to build some momentum they will be unstoppable.

For me, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the main contenders. Real have the advantage of being a prepared team, with its own style.

Barcelona has to search its one. They have to learn to play together and adapt to the new head coach. It could be the biggest difference and it makes the start of the championship so important and interesting.

I think that Barcelona have the potential, but they have to fix many things.

Tomorrow, I will take a look at the other pretenders—Villareal, Seville and Atletico de Madrid.