Best La Liga Signings of the 2019/20 Season
By Adam Aladay
La Liga clubs splashed the cash in 2019/20, with the likes of Joao Felix, Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann among others all making big money moves.
But it's fair to say that that some of them haven't quite worked out...so far.
Hazard has played 15 just games in all competitions for Real Madrid in 2019/20, and in this time, he has managed to find the net just once. However, there have also been a number of signings this term which have turned out to be excellent pieces of business.
With football suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis, we at 90min have decided to run through some of the best signings from this season...
Defenders
Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) - Trippier's move to Atletico Madrid came as a shock, but he's settled very quickly to life in Madrid. Few expected the move to happen, and there were similar reservations about how much game time he'd actually get. However, he's shone, making the right back slot his own. The Englishman has also been a vital part of his side's attacking play, providing the width on the right to support those ahead of him.
Diego Carlos (Sevilla) - Carlos' stock has risen rapidly this season. Joining Sevilla from Nantes just last summer, Carlos' stellar displays at the back have already seen him linked with a big money move away. The 27-year-old has been key to improving Sevilla's defensive record this season, with his tough tackling and no-nonsense defending. Equally capable with the ball at his feet, Carlos has proven to be a very shrewd piece of business, but this could see Sevilla part ways with him when the transfer window opens as Europe's elite come calling.
Felipe (Atletico Madrid) - It was always going to be near-impossible to replace Diego Godin at Atletico, but Felipe has proven to be a valuable addition. The 30-year-old's reading of the game and aerial presence has allowed him to take control and marshal his backline in his first season with the club. Felipe's performances have helped Atletico and Diego Simeone maintain their status as the division's finest defensive unit, with Los Rojiblancos conceding the joint-fewest goals in 2019/20.
Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid) - While the likes of Hazard and Luka Jovic have struggled to settle at Real Madrid this season, this hasn't been the case for Ferland Mendy. The left-back started the season on the bench but soon forced his way into the starting lineup, displacing Marcelo. The Frenchman has continued to rotate with Marcelo, but with the Brazilian now 31 and possibly on his way out of the club, Real have a long-term replacement who has already proven his worth this season.
Midfielder
Nabil Fekir (Real Betis) - Ah, the curious case of the should-have-been Liverpool player. Since securing a switch to Real Betis for roughly £17.2m, with the fee potentially rising, Fekir has shone in La Liga. His desire to constantly get on the ball and his creativity allows him to dictate his side's play. Fekir's managed an impressive seven goals and six assists in just 22 league games this term. It appears only a matter of time before another transfer saga commences revolving around Fekir.
Forwards
Chimy Avila (Osasuna) - When speaking on his serious knee injury that he suffered this season, Avila told Marca: "It had to come sometime considering the intensity I always play with. I play every game as if it's my last."
This is the kind of player Avila is. Prior to his injury, the 26-year-old was enjoying a fine season since making the switch from San Lorenzo, grabbing nine goals and three assists in 20 league games for Osasuna. His form didn't go unnoticed either, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and other Spanish giants all said to be interested in the Argentine.
Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad) - Borussia Dortmund let Alexander Isak go for just £5.8m.
Sweden's 'new Zlatan Ibrahimovic' has proven exactly why Dortmund shouldn't have sold him at all, starring for Real Sociedad in 2019/20 as they pursue Champions League football for next season. 14 goals and three assists this season is already an excellent return, but it's made all the more impressive when considering the fact that he's only started 14 games in all competitions. Dortmund's loss is most definitely La Liga's gain.
Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla) - Lucas Ocampos was once regarded as 'the next big thing', but things haven't exactly turned out that way. However, Sevilla brought him in during the summer from Marseille for roughly £13m, and the 25-year-old's proven to be a valuable first team member for his side, operating on either the left or right wing. This season, he has managed 12 goals and three assists in all competitions, underlining his impact. Ocampos' fine form has also helped Sevilla to third place in La Liga.
Lucas Perez (Alaves) - Lucas Perez struggled during his time in England, barely featuring for West Ham before returning to Spain with Deportivo Alaves. The La Liga outfit paid all of £2.1m for his services, and Perez has more than paid this back with his contribution in front of goal this season. He is the joint-third top goalscorer in the league, netting 11 times. However, he has also acted as a provider, setting up five goals for his teammates this campaign. A healthy return from a player that cost so little.
Loan Players
Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid) - Well, where else could we start? Odegaard has been breathtaking for Sociedad this season, dictating games with his vision and passing. Equally, however, he has matured as a player, the talent was always there but considering the pressure that was placed on him at such a young age, it wasn't clear whether he'd be able to live up to expectations. He most certainly has, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Real Madrid call him back early.
Marc Cucurella (Getafe on loan from Barcelona) - Marc Cucurella has made a real name for himself this season on loan at Getafe from Barça. The La Liga outfit are expected to make his loan move permanent, but with a number of European giants keeping a close eye on him, the Spanish youngster could still move elsewhere when the transfer window opens. Operating as a left-back and a left-winger, Cucurella has been a vital member in this Getafe side.
Sergio Reguilon (Sevilla on loan from Real Madrid) - It's not just Odegaard from Real that has been blossoming away from the club this season, as Reguilon has quietly been going about his business with Sevilla in 2019/20. A crucial first team member for them, the 23-year-old has been astute in defence and bright in attack, picking up four assists from left back. Another player who could make the cut when he returns.
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