La Liga 2010/2011: Top 5 Summer Signings

The new La Liga season is upon us and many clubs have been busy over the summer searching for new recruits and completing deals. As ever, there will be a host of new faces to look forward to, as well as players moving around within the league itself. I’ve been assessing the activity so far and picked out a few who I think are particularly smart buys for various reasons. Hopefully none of the following names will feature in my end of season ‘Top 5 worst signings’.

Diego Godín (Villarreal to Atlético Madrid)

The 24-year-old Uruguayan international defender joined Atlético at the beginning of August for a fee believed to be around €10m (£8.2m), which is an excellent price for someone of Godín’s ability. His talent has been evident for a while; a regular for his country since the age of 19, and a rock at the heart of both Uruguay and Villarreal’s defence over the years.

Comfortable on the ball, composed and a physical presence, he possesses all the attributes of a top class defender. He will come into Atlético’s back line alongside youngster Álvaro Domínguez, who will no doubt benefit and learn a great deal from the Uruguayan.

Filipe Luis (Deportivo La Coruna to Atlético Madrid)

Another smart move by manager Quique Sánchez Flores, who has been looking to improve Atlético’s leaky defence. The Brazilian left back arrives from cash-strapped Deportivo for around €12m (£9.8m). Again, another great value signing, especially for one of the best left backs in Europe.

Filipe has been an important player for Deportivo over the years with his immense ability to attack down the left flank – almost like a left footed Dani Alves. If he stays clear of injury this season, he will be a massive player for Atlético, and surely a great option for new Brazil boss Mano Menezes to look at.

David Villa (Valencia to FC Barcelona)

We all know what Villa’s capable of; he’s demonstrated it throughout his career at every single team he’s played for. In my eyes the best striker in the world, he is so much more than a goal scorer and I think he’ll be perfect in Pep Guardiola’s set-up. Not only does he have tremendous quality in front of goal, he can provide for everyone around him, and play in a variety of attacking positions. A truly complete striker.

In his five years at Valencia he managed to score 129 goals in 225 games, which is impressive to say the least. His international record is equally impressive, with 43 in 65 for Spain. He will undoubtedly be worth every penny of the €40m (£32.8m) Barça shelled out.

Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart to Real Madrid)

One from José Mourinho’s personal wishlist. As soon as Real Madrid made their interest clear, the German international expressed his desire to join the Spanish giants. After some reluctance from his club, he was allowed to leave for around €12m (£9.8m). Khedira was one of the best players at the World Cup, called up by Joachim Löw after a great Bundesliga season with Stuttgart. He showed that he was capable of filling the gap left by Michael Ballack and put in a string of stunning performances in the centre of the German midfield.

He will complement Xabi Alonso nicely in the Madrid midfield with his dynamic style and presence; something different to what they currently have, and have previously lacked. At 23 he still has a lot of potential, and under the watch of Mourinho he could well flourish into a top class player.

Alberto Botía (FC Barcelona to Sporting Gijón)

Botía spent last season on loan at Sporting where he was a regular at the back and helped secure their top flight status. His performances prompted manager Manuel Preciado to make a move for him on a permanent deal. Slightly surprising that Barça let him go so easily, but with the amount of talent they have in the youth teams I guess they can afford it. Botía himself accepted that it would be a difficult task breaking into the first team there, and said the best thing for his development as a player would be to get regular first team football.

The 21-year-old centre back is strong and already reads the game well. He will be vital again this season in Sporting’s quest for survival.

Alberto Botia, Atletico Madrid, David Villa, Diego Godin, FC Barcelona, Filipe Luis, Real Madrid, Sami Khedira, Spain, Spanish Primera Division, Sporting Gijon