Playerwatch 2005: Spain

By Andy Hall

During the past four or five years, it seems that Spain has dedicated itself solely to churning out dozens of fantastic young players. The exodus of several stars such as Xavi Alonso, José Antonio Reyes and Luis García to the English Premiership is proof of that.

Viva Villa
One young striker who enjoyed an explosive debut season in the Primera División during 2004 was Real Zaragoza striker David Villa. The 23-year-old, who was signed from Real Sporting de Gijón in 2003, struck 17 league goals and coolly dispatched a penalty past Iker Casillas in the final of the Spanish Cup against Real Madrid CF. Villa posses speed, technique and a feisty attitude together with a clinical finish that has made him a key piece in Víctor Muñoz's starting eleven.

Aranda success
Other strikers that are delivering the goods include Sevilla FC's Carlos Aranda, a speedy frontman who chalked up nine goals on loan at Albacete Balompié last term. But then Sevilla's distinguished youth programme has produced numerous prodigious talents.

Sevilla talent
Right-back Sergio Ramos has been one of the revelations in recent times as club Sports Director Monchi explained to uefa.com. "When Sergio arrived at the club as a teenager, we realised immediately that he was an extraordinary player," Monchi said. Tough and uncompromising and blessed with aerial power and technique, even Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wegner has taken note.

Sublime Navas
Sevilla are one of the few top-flight clubs to put an immense amount of faith in their youth starlets. Others who have caught the eye include midfield man Jesús Navas, who is able to play on either wing and has dazzled against the top sides much to the surprise and delight of coach Joaquín Caparrós. Carlitos Domíguez, Pablo Ruiz and Antonio Puerta have also been handed regular run-outs.

Ibáñez plaudits
Club Atlético de Madrid tightened up their defence by signing 23-year-old Pablo Ibáñez from Albacete in July. Tall and commanding, the centre-back has formed an excellent partnership with Luis Perea and recently gained his first senior call-up for Spain.

Aragonés' options
FC Barcelona playmaker Andrés Iniesta is one player who will be knocking on the door of national team coach Luis Aragonés next year. Showing maturity beyond his years, the 20-year-old has played exceptionally intelligent football with Barça, and as captain of Spain's Under-21's remains undaunted on the big stage.

Midfield marvels
Aragonés has admitted himself that there is an array of talented midfielders emerging. Atlético's Gabi Fernández has shone since joining Getafe CF on loan, and recently got off the mark by thumping a scorching 25-metre volley against CD Numancia. Meanwhile Villarreal have cheered the return of Héctor Font after a six-month loan with Ciudad de Murcia CF - he recently opened his account with an audacious bicycle kick.

Cazorla delights
The UEFA Cup challengers are also delighted with the progress of versatile midfielder Santi Cazorla. The Spain Under-21 international has successfully made the step-up to the first team, producing some noteworthy perfomances as well as scoring crucial goals

Firm believers
Athletic Club Bilbao have always been firm believers in their younger players. Asier Del Horno, Fran Yeste and Dani Aranzubia have been guiding lights in recent seasons, and now right-back Andoni Iraola and midfielder Carlos Gurpegi are thrilling the San Mamés faithful. Ernesto Valverde's youthful side can only benefit from participating in this season's UEFA Cup campaign.

Outstanding goalkeepers
Real Sociedad de Fútbol allowed Sander Westerveld to leave in the summer to bring in youth team shot-stopper Asier Riesgo, while Cameroonian international Carlos Kameni, aged just 20, has been exceptioanl for RCD Espanyol.