The LaLiga season kicks off today with Osasuna playing Sevilla at 3 p.m. EST, and the world will once again have their eyes on the giants in Spain. Last year Real Madrid ran away with the title and were clear winners for several weeks before the last match day. However, this year is looking like the league will be a lot more competitive. In this article I’ll be discussing my predictions and five things to keep your eye on. Let’s get into it.
1. The battle of Karim Benzema vs. Robert Lewandowski
Two of the world’s best strikers in Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and new Barcelona man Robert Lewandowski will be going head-to-head in LaLiga together this year. For several years, these two strikers have been the topic of debate of, “who’s the best no. 9 in the world?” Last year, both were on an absolute tear in their respective leagues. Lewandowski, playing for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, scored 50 goals and added seven assists in all competitions. Meanwhile in Madrid, Benzema netted 44 times and assisted 15 in all competitions. Lewandowski arrived this summer in Catalunya for a fee just over $51 million. All eyes will be on these two this year, and rightfully so.
2. Will Isco go back to his old ways at Sevilla?
At one point in his career, Isco was one of the best midfielders in the world. He was a crucial part of Madrid’s double when they won both Champions League and LaLiga. Now at 30 years old, Isco seems to be at the twilight of his career, but the move to Sevilla could rejuvenate his game. In a midfield with Ivan Rakitić, Papú Gomez and Lucas Ocampos, the Spaniard’s creativity could benefit the side. Reuniting with former Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui will hopefully have Isco see the pitch more then he did during the final days of his Madrid career.
3. Giovani Lo Celso returns to Villareal
After a successful loan spell with Villareal last year, Giovani Lo Celso returns once again on another loan. Lo Celso returns from Tottenham once again after it was announced that the Argentinian was not going to be in Antonio Conte’s plans for Spurs. While Lo Celso didn’t wow in the stat sheets, the former Real Betis man was an important part in Villareal’s Champions League run. Villareal didn’t make it into either the Europa League or Champions League after finishing seventh in the table, but El Submarí Groguet (the Yellow Submarine) will be able to make a deep run in the Conference League.
4. Xavi ball for a full season + brand new signings for Barcelona
We already talked about Robert Lewandowski, but Barcelona were very busy (and still are) during this transfer window. Franck Kessiè, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Jules Koundé have all joined the club this summer. However, will they even be able to play for their new clubs? In Barcelona’s unique economic situation, the club is having trouble registering their new signings to LaLiga.
The club just signed off on their fourth economic lever to Orpheus Media, which will see them receive 100 million Euros for 24.5% of Barcelona Studios. For a neutral fan, you can only hope Barcelona get get their stuff together so that they can battle Real Madrid for the top once again. We’ll have to wait and see if team president Joan Laporta can work his magic.
5. Will Eden Hazard finally pan out at Real Madrid?
Before his move to the Spanish capital, Eden Hazard was considered one of the best footballers in the world. Now three years and many injuries later, Hazard still hasn’t found his feet for the LaLiga champions. In 66 appearances Hazard has only managed to score six goals, not living up to his massive fee of $157.8 million. In a recent interview Hazard claims that he will give his all for the clubs and that this year will be his year. Only time will tell if the 31 year-old Belgian can find his old form again.
YSN 2022/23 LaLiga Predictions
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Atlético Madrid
- Sevilla
- Athletic Club
- Real Sociedad
- Real Betis
- Villareal
- Getafe
- Celta Vigo
- RCD Espanyol
- Valencia
- Rayo Vallecano
- Osasuna
- Elche
- Almeriá
- Real Valladolid
- Girona
- Cádiz
- Mallorca
Like Serie A, LaLiga is in a great place right now. El Clásico is back at the top rivalries in Europe and both clubs have great teams and managers. The top four is honestly pretty concrete in my opinion, but that five to eight range seems to be up for grabs. Even though Barcelona has improved incredibly during this transfer window, I still think that this league is Real Madrid’s to win. Their squad is even better than last year and we all know how last year ended for them. May God bless the world of football. We are in for a beautiful season. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.
