New Delhi: The new season of La Liga is just two weeks away, and the clubs are taking the prowess to see which player can be given another chance to prove themselves. La Liga has been a breeding ground for footballing brilliance, but even the brightest stars can experience a dimming of their luster. Whether it be a new signing or a long-serving member of the first-team squad, there are always individuals who fail to live up to the early season hype.
Many factors can come into play, such as injuries, confidence, and the performances of the team around the player can contribute towards a disappointing season. That said, fans are often left feeling short-changed by some performances put in by their club’s star players.
As the 2024/25 season looms, pressure mounts on several high-profile players to rediscover their top form. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for their careers. Let’s take a look at five such players who need to step up to the plate if they hope to secure their place in their respective squads.
5. Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 14: Anssumane Fati of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Camp Nou on September 14, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Ansu Fati has been a key component of Barcelona’s squad and was initially seen as Lionel Messi’s successor during the 2021-22 season. He was chosen to inherit the iconic number 10 shirt. The winger made a comeback that season after nine months out of action, coming on as a substitute and playing for just ten minutes. However, he was later sidelined again after suffering a hamstring injury in a 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.
Last season, the winger was sent on a season-long loan to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. He made 19 appearances for the club and scored twice. Now, the 21-year-old has returned to Barcelona, where he faces stiff competition from rising star Lamine Yamal for a place in the first team. Unfortunately, Fati recently picked up a fresh elbow injury adding another hurdle to his path. The Spanish international must bounce back stronger from this setback to secure his future at the club and ensure Barcelona doesn’t consider letting him go next season.
4. Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – MARCH 06: Thomas Lemar of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring their sides third goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Betis and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 06, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Thomas Lemar is a versatile midfielder for Atletico Madrid, capable of playing on both wings and through the centre. He boasts a passing accuracy of 89.6% and a dribbling accuracy of 50%. However, the 28-year-old’s career has recently been loomed by the injuries. He was dropped from the team after he suffered from an Achilles tendon rupture, sidelining him for several months last season.
Just as Thomas Lemar was inching closer to making a return to Atletico Madrid, the midfielder suffered another setback in the form of a hip injury. This latest injury also prevented Lemar from travelling with his national team to UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. Lemar has spent almost the entire 2023-24 season stuck on the sidelines, making just three appearances. With his contract in place through to 2027, Lemar will be setting his sights on making a strong comeback this season.
3. Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)
BERLIN, GERMANY – DECEMBER 12: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid celebrates scoring their team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League match between 1. FC Union Berlin and Real Madrid CF at Olympiastadion on December 12, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Dani Ceballos arrived at Real Madrid with a reputation as one of Spain’s brightest young talents. His technical ability and vision were undeniable but consistency has been a recurring issue. While he has shown glimpses of brilliance delivering standout performances in crucial matches, Ceballos has often struggled to maintain that level throughout entire seasons. The 2023-24 campaign was no exception. Despite creating certain great moments of magic, he failed to cement a regular starting spot in the Real Madrid midfield. He scored just one goal in 27 appearances.
Ceballos already extended his contract with the club just a year ago but as he failed to make a big impact last season now he is interested in playing more minutes elsewhere. The club has not yet decided on his future but if the club doesn’t release him he will have a last opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as a reliable contributor. A failure to do so could see his time at the Bernabeu come to an end next year for sure.
2. Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal)
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – OCTOBER 17: Arnaut Danjuma of Villarreal CF scores their team’s second goal from a penalty during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 17, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Arnaut Danjuma burst onto the scene with impressive performances for Villarreal showcasing his pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing in 2021. His exploits attracted the attention of Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur who secured his services in 2023. However, Danjuma’s spell in England was underwhelming as he struggled to replicate his La Liga form. The Dutchman returned to Villarreal on loan for the 2023-24 season with the aim of rediscovering his best form but the club lent him on loan for another season to Everton where he made just 21 appearances and scored twice.
The Dutch international suffered an ankle injury at the end of January and struggled for game time last season at Everton just getting to play a thousand minutes. Danjuma after coming back from loan needs to perform in order to cement his place in the team and attract the interest of top clubs once again. The forward must showcase sustained productivity in front of goal and create more opportunities for his teammates. The 2024-25 season will be crucial for Danjuma to prove his worth and silence his critics.
1. Donny van de Beek (Girona)
Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek during the warm up before the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2023. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)
Donny van de Beek arrived at Manchester United with a promising reputation but struggled to find consistent playing time under several managers. His talent was undeniable but he had a forgettable four-year spell at Old Trafford with two goal. A loan spell to Frankfurt didn’t even offer little respite last season as he was out of play most of the time due to heel problems. In 2022-23 he was suffering from knee collateral ligament strain.
Seeking a fresh start van de Beek made a permanent move to Girona this season. The change of scenery could prove to be a catalyst for the midfielder. La Liga offers a different style of play which may suit his skill set better. With regular game time, the attacking midfielder has the opportunity to rediscover his best form and show the world the player he is capable of becoming. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether his move to Spain was the right decision.
Five La Liga players facing a crucial 2024-25 season to secure their futures, battling injuries, form, and competition to stay at their clubs. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
