LALIGA and Spanish Influence continues to grow in the ISL

LALIGA and Spanish Influence continues to grow in strength in the Indian Super League

Talent and Technical Staff from LALIGA EA SPORTS, HYPERMOTION & Spain continue to enjoy favorable ties with India’s top football clubs.

(Football News) In continuation to its global appeal and the extension of unwavering talent, LALIGA continues to occupy a significant presence in the 2023/24 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). With several former LALIGA figures occupying key positions across various Indian football teams, the linkage between Spain & India grows ever closer through the power of Fútbol.

In addition to augmenting excitement amongst football enthusiasts in India, the presence of these former LALIGA figures within the Indian football ecosystem helps in contributing towards the elevation of world-class football in the country and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Looking forward to awakening a giant of Asian Football, LALIGA’s vision for India continues to grow from strength to strength since the opening of their regional office in New Delhi in 2016.

From Real Madrid’s Javi Hernández & La Masia’s Víctor Rodríguez playing as an attacking midfielder for FC Bengaluru & as a winger for FC Goa respectively, to Valencia CF’s José Antonio Pardo and Atletico Madrid’s Alberto Noguera, the list of talent moving to the ISL continues to grow stronger:

In defense, José Antonio Pardo formerly of Villarreal CF, and Valencia CF will partner with Borja Herrera of UD Las Palmas at the heart of East Bengal FC’s defence. José Luis Espinosa Arroyo, also known as Tiri who plays as a center-back for Mumbai City FC, has played for LALIGA clubs like Cádiz CF and Atletico Madrid.

Míchel Zabaco, centre-back for NorthEast United FC has been a part of Atletico Madrid’s youth setup, having also played for a bunch of Spanish clubs like UD Almeria. Yaser Hamed, a product of Athletic Club’s academy plays as a centre-back for North East United FC, while Odei Onaindia, has recently joined FC Goa in defense having started his youth career with Athletic Club. Finally, Carlos Delgado, who plies his craft for Odisha FC, comes to the country with experience from Valencia CF.

Amongst midfielders, Mumbai City FC’s, Alberto Noguera, comes to the Indian Super League having learned his trait with Atletico Madrid. Part of Bengaluru FC’s squad and experience having practiced with several Galácticos, Javi Hernández comes to India having graduated from Real Madrid’s Youth Academy.

Saúl Crespo, a central midfielder for East Bengal has played for Spanish clubs like SD Ponferradina & Atlético Astorga amongst others. Finally, Juan Mera, a midfielder for Punjab FC has represented RC Celta and Brazillian footballer, João Victor who captains ISL club Hyderabad FC has played for LALIGA club RCD Mallorca.

In the forward line, Néstor Albiach Roger, from NorthEast United FC has played for Levante UD, whereas Javier Siverio of East Bengal, has played for teams such as UD Las Palmas and Real Racing Club. Carlos Martínez, of Villarreal CF & Víctor Rodríguez of the famous La Masia, FC Barcelona’s academy both apply their trait to FC Goa. The influence of Spanish football, however, is not restricted to the playing field as some of Indian football’s tactical acumen continues to be boosted by several moves from Spain to India.

Some of the high-profile names include Albert Roca, who serves as a technical consultant for Bengaluru FC. Carles Cuadrat the head coach of East Bengal Club alongside Dimas Delgado as assistant coach. Manolo Márquez holds the position of head coach at FC Goa, while at Mohun Bagan Juan Ferrando & Antonio Lopez Habas lead the coaching staff as the head coach and technical director respectively. Finally, in the Northeast, Juan Pedro Benali serves as the head coach of Northeast United, and Sergio Lobera is the same for Odisha FC.