La Liga Players You Need to Keep an Eye On When Spanish Football Restarts
By Ali Rampling
La Liga's long awaited return is upon us after the three month coronavirus enforced break, with Sevilla and Real Betis kicking off proceedings on 11 June.
There are 11 games remaining before the season concludes, with the title race and battle for the Champions League shaping up particularly nicely.
You all know who Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema or Luis Suarez and co. are, so let's take a look at the other players you should be keeping your eye on as La Liga restarts.
Mikel Oyarzabal
He may be the only player in La Liga with a Business Administration and Management degree, but that's not the only reason you should watch out for Mikel Oyarzabal.
The Real Sociedad winger has been integral to his exciting young side's surge to fourth place this season, chipping in with eight goals and six assists.
An unorthodox left winger, Oyarzabal can often be found floating inside, and has proved to be a tricky customer - drawing twice as many fouls as a certain Lionel Messi. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester City as a replacement for Leroy Sane.
Mohammed Salisu
The centre back has emerged as one of the breakout stars in Spain this season, having only made his La Liga debut less than a year ago.
Salisu has been ever present in the heart of the Real Vallodolid defence this season, starting 26 out of their 27 La Liga fixtures.
The 21-year-old is 6'3 and strong in the air, but it is his technical ability on the ball that really catches the eye, and has seen him linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Ferran Torres
The speedy winger made his Valencia debut as a 17-year-old, and has established himself as a first team regular over the past two season, despite still being just 20.
Pacy, skilful and exciting, Torres has six goals and seven assists to his name this season, primarily operating wide on the right of midfield.
His performances have seen him heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, with Manchester United also reportedly interested.
Alexander Isak
Another member of Real Sociedad's eye-catching young side is Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward has grabbed 14 goals in all competitions during his debut season in Spain.
Usually so shrewd in the transfer market, Borussia Dortmund allowed Isak to leave in the summer for less than £6m after making just one Bundesliga appearance in two years - and he has set about proving the doubters wrong ever since.
Standing at 6'3, playing up front and heralding from Sweden, the 20-year-old was always going to be branded as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's heir. His two goals against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey are Isak's current high point in a season of highs.
Nabil Fekir
Despite this being his debut season in Spain, Nabil Fekir has looked like he's been playing here all of his life - triggering speculation that his spell in La Liga could be a short one.
Real Betis paid £17.2m to prise the attacking midfielder away from Lyon, and he has repaid their faith with seven goals and six assists.
Fekir was infamously a failed target of Liverpool last summer, and has since been linked with moves to Arsenal and Newcastle.
Marc Roca
Espanyol have endured a miserable campaign, sitting rock bottom of La Liga, but defensive midfielder Marc Roca has offered a rare ray of light.
The 23-year-old has missed just three La Liga games this season, even chipping in with two goals and three assists despite his primarily defensive duties.
Roca's performances have seen him linked with a move to Arsenal, with AC Milan reportedly ready to rival the Gunners for his signature.
Lucas Ocampos
The Sevilla winger was in a rich vein of form before coronavirus ground the football season to a halt, notching up five goals in eight games prior to the break.
Ocampos joined Sevilla from Marseille in the summer and has proved to be an instant hit, with 12 goals and three assists in all competitions this season.
The 25-year-old has admirers in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal both linked with a move for the right winger.