New Blog---Excited to Post About La Liga--Week 5

Hi Friends, Liga Fans/Supporters, and Football Aficionados,

Since I'm back living in the good ol’ USA, I have felt quite removed from my true passion, soccer. Or, as it’s known in the rest of the world, football, fútbol, calcio, joga, etc. Thus, I decided to start a weekly blog that will be solely dedicated to the happenings of the world's greatest soccer/football league, La Liga. This is Spain's first division. While most of my friends may prefer watching and following American football, basketball, or baseball, I want to inform and educate the world as much as I possibly can to spread the growth in America of the world's most popular sport in one of the world's most magical countries. I thought that the best way to do this was to write weekly entries in English about Football in Spain because “el fútbol en España es la vida” or “Soccer is life in Spain and means everything”. La liga is filled with some of the top soccer players in the world. This is better evidenced by Spain’s triumphant display in the 2010 world cup. This is considered by many to be one of the top 3 (maybe the best) leagues in the world.

I am a Real Madrid supporter (I'll try not to favor them too much). My favorite player is Sergio Ramos. This is how the main weekly posting will be structured: players to watch, impact foreign player of the week, hot team, cold team, predictions (using a quiniela format, coach to watch, and match of the week. I look forward to having all of your participation. Feel the passion, the power, and the intensity of La liga!!!!!
Week 5

Players to Watch: Diego Forlan, Fernando Llorente, Cristiano Ronaldo

Diego Forlan is one of the world's top players. The Uruguayan star has 3 goals this year and will square off against a tough Sevilla defense that could be extra motivated with its new coach in place. He's continuing to ride the high after his great performances over the summer with his national team and the winning of the golden ball award. Atletico has been in good form for most of the season thus far but will be without Kun Aguero.

Fernando Llorente is the face of Athletic Bilbao. He also has three goals this year and even notched one in the Spanish National team's loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires. He's great in the air and his physical presence makes him one of La Liga's most dangerous players. I predict him going into the Mestalla and leading his team to a close game against a very talented Valencia team.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the game's most recognizable stars. Jose Murinho, his fellow countrymen and coach, is waiting for his striker to finally starting earning his big salary. The shots are there this year. The finishing is not. Ronaldo is frustrated. The team will have an easy test against Deportivo La Coruña in the Bernabeau which should provide an ample amount of opportunities. So far, we've seen one easy penalty attempt and a deflection. Will one of the world's finest finally step up?

Impact Foreign Player of the Week: David Trezeguet

The Frenchman was transferred to Hercules (a recently called up team from the second division in Alicante) and is setting the world on fire with 3 goals in 4 games. He's finding his old form and is proving to be unstoppable. He'll go away to Getafe this week and should be able to continue to penetrate and get goal scoring chances. The former Juventus striker who helped shock Barcelona a few weeks ago may be eyed by some bigger teams as the weeks go on.

Hot Team: Villarreal

The American/Italian Rossi hasn't disappointed this year. Nilmar has been electric. Cazorla is still underrated. Maybe Altidore will be inserted to add some more scoring power, too? The yellow submarine is firing on all cylinders after a disappointing last season. Look for them to crush Racing Santander this week.

Cold Team: Real Zaragoza

Los maños have the talent, the trainer, and the fan support to win. After living in Zaragoza, I can tell you that the club's decision making has been very suspect. The team is at the bottom of the table but has looked impressive at some points. With the famous pilares festivals right around the corner, Ander, Lafita, and Jorge Lopez have to step up and show some leadership or the city will personally come after each player. La Romareda welcomes Sporting Gijon this weekend. The Asturian team has been tested early this year but is definitely beatable and continues to be in the bottom of the table as well. Aupa Aragoneses!!

A Few Predictions (using the Quiniela Format):

Zaragoza v. Sporting: 1

Real Madrid v. Depor: 1

Barca v. Mallorca: 1

Valencia v. Athletic: 2

Sevilla v. Atletico: 1

Trainer to Watch: Gregorio Manzano

The feisty andaluz from Jaen is back. The former Mallorca manager was so close to tasting the Champions league last year until Sevilla broke his heart. Curiously enough, he's now leading that talented team against a tough Atletico squad after having early success in his first Europa league game. Will he get the ball rolling in Andalucía or eventually get sacked like the previous two managers?

Match of the week: Sevilla v. Atletico

Although Valencia and Athletic along with Barca v. Mallorca will both get top billing, this match will be the best. Forlan, Simao, Navas, Palop, Capel, Kanoute. All 33,000 in the Sanchez Pizjuan will be rocking for this one. The cruz campo will be flowing. Even though Atletico has dealt with some early injuries and some interesting substitutions, Quique Flores will have his boys ready. I think we'll see the Good Atletico. We all know that we never know which Atletico we'll get. Atletico drew in the Europa league and will be ready to take out those frustrations.