LaLiga Confidential: Inside the Minds of Spain’s Soccer Stars
What do LaLiga players truly suppose of their rivals? Who would they sign for their team given unlimited resources? Which stadiums inspire them, and which coaches push their buttons? ESPN recently surveyed 30 players in Spain’s top flight to uncover the answers in the second edition of LaLiga Confidential, four years after the initial report. The responses, offered anonymously, provide a fascinating glimpse into the league’s dynamics, revealing opinions on the best players – including Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona – as well as those who are underrated or prone to disciplinary issues.
Who Would Be Your First Signing?
When asked which player they would sign for their team, the responses highlighted a few key names:
— “Mbappé wins games on his own.”
— “Haaland is a guy who guarantees goals.”
Who is the Most Underrated Player in LaLiga?
Players identified several individuals who deserve more recognition:
— “Raphinha should have won the Ballon d’Or.”
Which Player is Most Likely to Gain Red Carded?
The survey revealed a perception of certain players being more likely to receive a red card:
— “Anyone who plays against Madrid or Barcelona.”
Which Coach is Most Annoying on the Sidelines?
Coaches known for their animated presence during matches were singled out:
— “Simeone really likes to provoke the opposition.”
— “Bordalás protests everything.”
The Toughest Away Games in LaLiga
LaLiga is renowned for its passionate fanbases and challenging away trips. Beyond the highly anticipated matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona, several other stadiums create a difficult atmosphere for visiting teams, including those of Athletic Club in Bilbao, Real Betis in Seville, and Rayo Vallecano in Madrid.
Beyond the Game: Celebrations, Viewing Habits, and EA FC
The survey similarly touched on lighter topics, such as celebrating against former teammates, football viewing habits, and opinions on EA FC player ratings.
— “No, I never score goals, so it would be bad luck if my only goal of the season was against a former team.”
— “Not really, you always have to have the utmost respect for the team that allowed you to be where you are.”
— “I hope to always be on the same team.”
Regarding football viewing habits:
— “I don’t watch much football. I prefer watching NFL or NBA.”
— “I watch two or three, but mainly Premier League games.”
— “I don’t watch football. I prefer to use my free time to spend time with my family or to disconnect.”
On the topic of burnout:
— “When you are involved in several competitions, you end up exhausted.”
— “No, but I will say that when Christmas comes around, you miss your family and that can be exhausting.”
And finally, regarding EA FC player ratings:
— “I think they are good for the more famous players, but they underestimate the lesser-known ones.”
— “Some are too high [laughing].”
— “They never give us goalkeepers what we think we deserve.”
— “They give us defenders a lower average than we deserve [laughs].”
ESPN’s Eduardo Fernández-Abascal, Sam Marsden, Tony Mabert and Connor O’Halloran contributed to this report