Transfer Round-Up: Part 1 - Spain

Clubs around Europe have approached the transfer market hesitantly; with the exception of Real Madrid's €20 million signing of Fábio Coentrão, most clubs have topped up on young players and back-up, replenishing their stocks. The rumours, however, have remained strong and come back incessantly, with transfers including Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fabregas and Javier Pastore reported to feature large fees. Nevertheless, this article will only focus on the confirmed deals and will also contain my thoughts on them. 

NOTE: Transfers are arranged in the country in which the player is moving to and the club they are moving to. This is Part 1 and is focused on Spain's transfers. Part 2 will come out soon based on France's transfers.

Spain: 

Atlético Madrid:

Sílvio Pereira: From Braga, €8m

A left back who can also cover at right back, Pereira is tidy in possession and is full of pace and enthusiasm when bombing forward and joining the attack. While he can link up with the midfield in possession, he lacks the ball control and crossing ability to be a full threat forward. A good addition, but not something that would have the Atleti fans drooling in anticipation and will probably not oust Filipe Luís from his starting position.

Miranda: From São Paulo, Free

While most signings from Brazil nowadays are hyped-up youngsters who burden the label of 'Next [insert superstar]', Miranda can be seen as a veteran, despite him being only 26. After an unsuccessful tenure in Sochaux, Miranda returned home to Brazil with São Paulo, and became the epicentre of a championship winning defence, playing at the centre of a back three. Clean in the tackle and composed, he will fight for a starting position at the Vicente Calderón.

Gabi: From Real Zaragoza, €3m

Gabi returns back to Atlético, his first club, but his role would probably be kept by Raúl García in the starting eleven.

Getafe:

Pablo Sarabia: From Real Madrid, €3m

Álvaro Negredo. Juan Manuel Mata. Roberto Soldado. These are just some of the names of Real Madrid players who moved elsewhere in Spain as young players due to a lack of playing time. Pablo Sarabia is no different. An electrifying left winger, Sarabia is the type of player who would often leave defenders on their backsides thanks to his trickery and close ball control. Like a lot of young wingers, he needs to improve his final delivery into the box, but he should prove to be a shroud signing for Getafe, who often turn the unwanted scraps that Real Madrid and other big teams don't want and turn them into great players. Luckily for Real fans, however, is that they have a buy-back clause in his contract, so like Esteban Granero before him, don't be surprised if Sarabia returns to Real Madrid after a spell at Getafe.

Málaga: 

Jérémy Toulalan: From Olympique Lyonnais, €10m

Arab-financed Málaga's largest signing, Toulalan, did not have a fantastic season. After being banned from the French national team as part of the disciplinary action against the player's strike at the World Cup and failing to drive Lyon to another league title, Toulalan is looking to reinvigorate his career in the Costa del Sol. Despite his moderately poor season, he still remains as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, protecting the back four. Furthermore, at €10m, he is a good value signing for Málaga and will be fully involved in the club's push for Europe.

Nacho Monreal: From Osasuna, €6m

Monreal is one of the best left backs in Spain and has been a consistent performer for Osasuna. Due to him being only 25, he should feature in any future European competitions Málaga are looking to qualify for.

Isco: From Valencia, €6m

Isco was born and grew up near Málaga, so he would be right at place at home. Definitely one for the future, he will make a few appearances for Málaga, but won't be a starter and has been brought over from Valencia with the future in mind. Isco can play as an attacking midfielder or as a supporting striker and displays a great feel for the game, setting up teammates and has a great first touch. He needs to improve his decision making and is a risky signing for Málaga, but one day the fee of €6m may seem as a great bargain for Málaga. And its not like they are tight on money.

Joaquín: From Valencia, €4.2m

Another Andalusia native snapped up from Valencia, Joaquín, contrary to Isco, is a player who should be a star in the first team from the off. Joaquín, while he may not have fulfilled the promise he showed at Real Betis, is one of the best wingers in Spain and has come off a solid season for Valencia, shouldering some of the attack from the departures of David Silva and David Villa. Joaquín will probably add experience and leadership to a Málaga side which is being created.

Martín Demichelis: From Bayern Munich, €3m

Quite a fall from grace for Demichelis. One year ago Demichelis played in the Champions League Final against Inter, now after being shut out of the Bayern first team, has joined a team for €3m. Strong in the air and a fierce tackler, Demichelis is error-prone and isn't as composed as he could be. Could feature in midfield, especially as Mathijsen and Sánchez have been signed.

Sergio Sánchez: From Sevilla, €2.8m

While Demichelis is error-prone, Sánchez is injury-prone. Despite having never cemented a place in the first team in Sevilla, Sánchez could feature in the Málaga first team, whether at right back or centre back.

Joris Mathijsen: From Hamburg, €1m

A Netherlands starter for only €1m! While he only needs to contend with Heitinga as the best centre back for the Oranje, Mathijsen is a very good signing considering his cheap price tag. A solid if unspectacular season at Hamburg, Mathijsen should slot right into the heart of the Málaga defence.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: From Hamburg, Free

How Málaga's fans must be praying that van Nistelrooy rediscovers his form from his glory Manchester United days. Injuries have held him back in his career post-United, but he is still one of the cleverest foxes in the box and should lead the front line for at least a year for Málaga. 

RCD Espanyol:

Héctor Moreno: From AZ Alkmaar, €4m

Part of the Mexican 'Golden Generation', Moreno is a tough, no-frills defender. He tackles with bite and is relentless, challenging for every ball and hustling for possession, but Moreno is often lacking when he is in possession, unable to complete any difficult passes. Also , at 23, expect him to improve at Espanyol and possibly work on his distribution.

Juan Ángel Albín: From Getafe, €3m

Whether playing at left wing or as a supporting striker, Albín will provide goals and assists due to his close ball control and sweet left foot. Should feature in Espanyol's first team and will improve in a few years.

Real Madrid:

Fábio Coentrão: From Benfica, €20m

When he joined Benfica, he was a young tricky left winger, full of skill, but not good enough for the first team. Now, he leaves Benfica as one of the world's best left-backs and one of the best performers in the last world cup to Real Madrid's first team. Reinvented as a left back by Benfica due to his strength, Coentrão still retains the pace and the dribbling prowess he used to have when he played for Rio Ave. Defensively, Coentrão waits for the tackle instead of diving in and in attack he is deadly in the counter-attack, which should be great news for Mourinho's Real. 

Nuri Şahin: From Borussia Dortmund, €10m

It seems strange to consider a 22 year old as a veteran. But Şahin is that, having been present in Borussia Dortmund's first team since 2005, when he was the youngest player to play and score in the Bundesliga. The leader and focal point of the young Borussia Dortmund team which swept the Bundesliga, Şahin should play in the first team for Real Madrid due to his clever and precise distribution of the ball, ability to create chances for others and also chip in with his fair share of goals. An upgrade over Sami Khedira, Şahin at €10m is a great buy by Mourinho and the Real staff.

Raphaël Varane: From Lens, €10m

The opposite to Héctor Moreno, Varane is a cool and composed central defender who plays the game as if he is at least 10 years older than his age of 18. Varane has a great understanding of the game, reading the opponents passes and intercepting through balls. He is also comfortable in possession and should eventually develop into a ball-playing centre back. The emergence of Varane into the first team was the only bright part of Lens season which ended in relegation, but Varane will struggle to find playing time at Real Madrid and the best option for him and Real would be for him to be loaned out, possibly back to France, or to a lower La Liga side.

José María Callejón: From Espanyol, €5.5m

Spiky-haired left winger who is dangerous when being fed through by a cutting pass and given space to run in. Callejón has a dangerous left foot and can score from distance; he is also comfortable cutting onto his right foot when letting rip. Came from the Real Madrid youth team and like many others before him left before playing for the first team. Should be a solid back up for Ronaldo/di María.

Hamit Altintop: From Bayern Munich, Free

I don't understand this signing. While he was signed for free and is a very good player and leader, Altintop will never make the Real Madrid first team and Real have enough back up in midfield already.

Sevilla:

Manu del Moral: From Getafe, €3.5m

A speedy striker who can also play on the wing, Manu del Moral is a very good finisher who will contend for a starting spot in the Sevilla first team. A replacement for Luís Fabiano.

Emir Spahić: From Montpellier, €2m

Captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spahić is a strong and experienced centre back who can anticipate chances for the other team. A lack of pace may hinder his starting chances for Sevilla, but he should be present in the first team. At €2m, he could be considered a bargain as only last year Montpellier were reportedly demanding £25m for him from Arsenal.

Piot Trochowski: From Hamburg, Free

Trochowski can play at left wing or behind the striker and possess impeccable technique, whether it be at passing, shooting or dribbling. A lack of pace and strength is his major weakness and he can be inconsistent at times. A good pick-up for free. 

Valencia:

Daniel Parejo: From Getafe, €6m

Another promising youngster who had to leave Real Madrid for first team football, Alfredo Di Stéfano himself expressed his disgust when Parejo left by boycotting a Castilla match. A very skillful attacking midfielder, Parejo is a person who should contribute for Valencia now and in the future. He replaces Isco, and is a better player than him, although admittedly Parejo is three years older. Has a great first touch and can create chances for others.

Pablo Piatti: From Almería, €8m

Brought in from relegated Almería, Piatti's arrival hints that Juan Manuel Mata may move away, possibly to Liverpool or Arsenal, as they both play as left wingers. An amazing dribbler, Piatti exudes Argentinian skill and poise and should be a good signing for Valencia. Still has time to improve, also.

Diego Alves: From Almería, €3m

One of the best goalkeepers in Spain and has been linked with Real Madrid in the past. A good shot-stopper, Diego Alves is also a good penalty saver. Will probably be in the first team, he could be the best goalkeeper for Valencia since Santiago Cañizares, and all for €3m.

Villareal:

Cristián Zapata: From Udinese, €7m

Zapata is a quick and strong centre back currently representing Colombia in the  Copa América. Strong in the air, Zapata can also read the through balls well. He often joins attacks from the centre of defence and is effective due to his pace, but he needs to improve his passing and dribbling ability to be as effective as Lúcio.

Match Report: Roma 2-0 Lazio

Is there a more fiery, important and tense Italian football derby than the Derby della Capitale? Sure the Milan derby is more illustrious, but the Rome derby means so much to the fans that some supporters would use laser pens to ensure that their side receives all three points in the battle of the capital.
But more on that later.
The derby was an intense game, featuring two red cards, a penalty and a bare chested Roman running celebrating fanatically. And all of this occurred in the last few minutes. But what about the tactics of this game? After all, it is hard to not be enthralled by the ensuing action of any derby and neglect the tactics of the game, if there were any. 
This game showed how Roma struggle to defend wide players, but also how big players who regularly fail to show up throughout the season, such as De Rossi and Totti, never forget to perform for the big derby.


Starting Line Ups:


Roma:

32 - Doni
29 - Nicolás Burdisso
5 - Phillipe Mexes
4 - Juan
17 - John Arne Riise
7 - David Pizarro 
16 - Daniele De Rossi
94 - Jérémy Menez
20 - Simone Perrotta
9 - Mirko Vučinić
10 - Francesco Totti


Under Ranieri, Roma played like many Italian teams and rarely strayed from their tried and tested 4-3-1-2. Vicenzo Montella, however, has brought a sense of upheaval in a tactical sense, introducing a 4-2-3-1, similar in fact to the 'strikerless' formation Montella played under with Luciano Spalletti at the helm. 


Totti didn't play as far forward as a normal striker, but he definitely did not play as an Trequartista. Vučinić played to the left of Totti, moving around the area between him and the touchline. 


On the opposite flank, however, Menez had much more of a free role. At the beginning of the game, Menez kept to the right flank, contrary to how he normally plays for Roma. This made Menez ineffective as he works best when cutting in and playing on the right flank, he would cut into on his weaker, left foot. Later on though, he would start to buzz between the flanks as if he were a bee hesitating over which flank he would call his hive. 


Marco Borriello was kept on the bench, possibly a reaction by Montella over his hysterical actions against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, after he took a penalty, against his manager's orders, and missed it.


Burdisso was effectively a centre back playing wide on the ride and hence didn't provide enough attacking verve down that side. This, however, would work to Roma's advantage.  


Lazio:

86 - Fernando Muslera
2 - Stephan Lichtsteiner
13 - Guglielmo Stendardo
20 - Giuseppe Biava
26 - Ştefan Radu
24 - Cristian Ledesma
8 - Hernanes
11 - Matuzalém
77 - Giuseppe Sculli
10 - Mauro Zárate
22 - Sergio Floccari


Lazio played a similar formation to Roma, with three centre midfielders patrolling the ball. 


The difference between the two sides, however, was how Lazio used wide players more effectively. Unlike Roma, Lazio played with an out-and-out winger in Sculli and a striker who was much more disciplined in sticking out wide in Zárate.


Lazio also had a target man type player in Floccari, so they were much more enthusiastic in sending the ball up forward.


Ledesma was the enforcer in midfield, with the Brazillian duo of Matuzalém and Hernanes spreading the ball out wide. Lichsteiner provided a lot of effort going forward, but without much product.


Opening Minutes: Threats from Deep


For a Serie A match, the game started with a lot of enthusiasm and fast paced balls; the players being urged on by the loud fans. Lazio had the first chance of the game when Matuzalém fired a long range shot wide after the ball fell to him kindly after a number of deflections from a corner. One minute later on, however, Matuzalém was outdone by Pizarro, who after receiving a pass from De Rossi 35 yards out, controlled the ball and fizzed an unstoppable shot onto Muslera's crossbar. 


After those two long-range strikes, the game slowed down as more and more fouls started building up. Three yellow cards were given out in the first half, showing how much the players abandoned pre-match plans and started playing more sporadically. Hence, the game was slow with many breaks in the play.


During the first half, Roma were more inclined to build the ball up from the back, playing neat balls through the middle. Many times however, they would out do it, playing a wrong pass or miss-control the ball. One of the main reasons why plenty of teams play direct football is because short passing results in more passes being played, and more passes means that there is a greater chance of making a mistake. This was evident by the play Roma were showing as they lost the ball lots of times.


In contrast, Lazio played more directly, bringing the ball up to Floccari to hold up or introducing the ball to one of their wingers. The defensive nature of Burdisso, however, negated the trickery of Zárate on the left, and the first half ended in a stalemate.


Second Half: Lazio Improves


After half time, Lazio started to play better football, out running Roma on the wings. The game opened up and this suited Lazio better as they were the quicker, more mobile team. The biancocelesti also started to cross the ball in more, and Floccari had chances to head the ball in due to Roma's vulnerability out wide. 


Roma had their chances as well. By playing little balls in to attack, Juan found himself with the ball after a pull-back by Menez, only to see Ledesma dispossess him by swiping the ball cleanly out under his feet. 


Late in the Game: Lots of incidents

The notorious green laser

As the subtitle suggests, the closing stages of the game were full of drama. Roma, apart from the Juan chance, were shut out for most of the second half, mainly through tough defense and Hernanes becoming more influential. On the 70' minute, however, they found themselves with a free kick only twenty yards out. Only one player was ever going to take that strike: Totti. A Roma player through and through, the child of Rome lived for derbies against Lazio. An idol of the Roma supporters, he hated Lazio as much as he loved Roma. 


Before he took the kick however, Muslera's eyesight was obstructed. And it wasn't just by the humongous wall Lazio had put up. From the crowd, a Roma fan was shining a green laser into his eyes. Then Totti struck the ball. Bang. The ball swerved through the Lazio wall and under Muslera's body with such force that that alone could have been an excuse for Muslera not saving the ball. But that wasn't it. The laser pen could have disorientated the Uruguayan goalkeeper, as it was in his eyes only shortly before Totti took the free-kick. Furthermore, the Lazio wall was extremely long, so Muslera could only see the ball very late. Either way, Roma were one up.


Only four minutes later, after scrapping for the ball, Matuzalém seemingly stood on Totti's ear. The referee missed it and while Totti was wriggling on the floor, the TV replay supported his claim. Matuzalém had clearly stepped on the side of Totti's face with force. This signaled the start of an ill-tempered finale. 


From the 85' minute onwards, Roma were keeping the ball by the corner flag and winning corners repeatedly by striking the ball against Radu's shin to the corner flag. After successive corner's of keeping the ball by the touchline, Totti and Simplicio started to get under the skin of Radu and after a while, the Romanian had enough. He strutted over to the corner flag, where Simplicio was standing, and head butted him on the head. Right in front of the assistant referee. Radu was already heading off the pitch before receiving the red card and Roma had succeeded in their ploy of frustrating the Lazio players. But the drama still wasn't over.   


In the 91' minute, Totti played a ball across the penalty area towards the path of the oncoming Simplicio after a fast break. Simplicio, however, was impeded by a nudge by Biava and fell to the ground. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and the Lazio players were in uproar. Cristian Ledesma, in particular, had something to say about the decision, and was promptly sent off after a long string of complaints towards the referee. Lazio were down to nine men, Roma had a penalty and the game was effectively over. That didn't stop Totti from getting a brace by thumping the ball into the roof of the net. Muslera, again, was impeded by a green laser to his face. Nevertheless, Totti galloped over to the Curva Sud, home to the Roma supporters, and started celebrating manically with his shirt off. Seconds later, Totti was substituted and handed a yellow card for his antics. All in a good days work.     

Talent Scout: Ander Herrera

Athletic Bilbao have always had a problem when it comes to signing players. Their Basque-only rule has significantly reduced their talent pool in comparison with other clubs; even Real Sociedad abandoned their cantera policy in 1989 by signing John Aldridge.


How glad the Athletic administration must have been when they witnessed the flowering of a young, Basque footballer in La Liga, as in front of them lay a talented midfielder who they could snap up. Athletic seized their chance this January, signing Ander Herrera for an initial fee of €8.5 million to help their push towards the glistening, luxurious and profitable world of the Champions League.

Name: Ander Herrera Agüera

D.O.B.: 14/08/1989

Age: 21

P.O.B.: Bilbao, Spain

Position: Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder

Club: Athletic Club

National Team: Spain

Previous Clubs: Real Zaragoza

It seems somewhat fitting that Ander Herrera would sign for Athletic Bilbao. It was, after all, his local team. And Ander would also play with other young talents at Athletic such as Iker Muniain, 'the next Messi', and Javi Martínez, the driving force of the side and a player who featured in the World Cup winning Spain side.

Ander would also add something different to his new side, as Athletic play a physical style of football which is ever present throughout Northern Spain. 

Sure, Athletic aren't as physical as some (actually a lot of) Premier League sides, but compared to clubs such as Barcelona and Villarreal who love to spend time on the ball they rely more on pace and strength. 

Ander Herrera would be an exception to that rule despite being 5'11. His main style of play is technical and he possesses a feel for the ball that is reminiscent of Iniesta. Ander also plays like his senior Spanish counterpart, as his main game is creating chances and providing assists, as Ander has vision on the ball which would be hard matched anywhere, even in Spain. Hence, Ander can play through balls, splitting the defence, to allow a striker through on goal.

This would benefit him in Athletic as Gazika Toquero would run after every ball played to him and Iker Muniain can use his pace and skill to cut in from the left to receive an Ander through-ball. 

Along with his passing ability, Ander is comfortable on the ball and can dribble past players displaying close control and a splendid first touch. Don't, however, expect any Messi-like dribbles to goal as his speed and ability to beat his man isn't sufficient enough to do that and most drives through the centre would be left to Javi Martínez.

One problem for Ander would be whether he would be able to force his way into the Athletic side. The Basque club are currently fifth in the table and are doing well, so they wouldn't want to change too much. Furthermore, Joaquín Caparrós currently employs a 4-4-2 with Martínez and Gurpegi at Centre-mid with the latter playing as an anchorman. Ander won't be able to oust Martínez from his role and he won't be able to replace Gurpegui as Ander can't play as a holding midfielder. Hence, putting Ander in the side would either place him out of position or change the system. Another suggestion would be to play Ander in Martínez's current role and moving Martínez to holding midfielder, but that would be a waste of Martínez's talent. The only viable option of accommodating Ander in the team would be to change the formation, possibly to a 4-5-1, which would mean disrupting Athletic's successful system. 

Strengths:

• Has a vision of a hawk to pick apart opposition's defenses and create chances
• Can control the tempo of the game so he can suit various tactical systems
• As he is 5'11, Ander can shield and protect the ball away from the opposition
• Despite his main focus of creating chances, Ander can also finish them as well

Weaknesses:

•  Lack of speed and stamina means he cannot patrol the midfield and close down other players
• Defensive problems means he can be a viability for a team trying to close down a game

Verdict: 

A player who is very comfortable on the ball, Ander Herrera should become one of the best midfielders in the La Liga one day

Ability: 6.5/10

Potential: 8.5/10