ISL 2023-24: LALIGA’s global appeal and unwavering talent extension continue to maintain a significant presence in the 2023/24 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). Former LALIGA figures now hold key positions in various Indian football teams, forging a closer connection between Spain and India through the sport of football.
The presence of these former LALIGA figures within the Indian football ecosystem not only enhances excitement among Indian football enthusiasts but also contributes to the elevation of world-class football in the country and strengthens bilateral relations between the two nations.
LALIGA’s vision for India has been gaining strength since the establishment of their regional office in New Delhi in 2016. Former LALIGA players like Javi Hernández from Real Madrid and Víctor Rodríguez from La Masia are actively participating as an attacking midfielder for FC Bengaluru and as a winger for FC Goa, respectively.
In defence, players like José Antonio Pardo, who previously played for Villarreal CF and Valencia CF, are partnering 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 has experience with LALIGA clubs like Cádiz CF and Atletico Madrid, is a centre-back for Mumbai City FC.
Míchel Zabaco, a centre-back for NorthEast United FC, has been part of Atletico Madrid’s youth setup and has played for several 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, who started his youth career with Athletic Club, recently joined FC Goa in defence. Carlos Delgado, who plays for Odisha FC, brings experience from Valencia CF.
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Among midfielders, Mumbai City FC’s Alberto Noguera, who honed his skills with Atletico Madrid, is now part of the Indian Super League. Javi Hernández, who graduated from Real Madrid’s Youth Academy and practised with several Galácticos, has joined Bengaluru FC. Saúl Crespo, a central midfielder for East Bengal, has played for Spanish clubs like SD Ponferradina and Atlético Astorga, among others. Juan Mera, a midfielder for Punjab FC, has represented RC Celta, and Brazilian footballer João Victor, who captains ISL club Hyderabad FC, has played for LALIGA club RCD Mallorca.
In the forward line, players like Néstor Albiach Roger of NorthEast United FC and Javier Siverio of East Bengal have played for teams such as Levante UD, UD Las Palmas, and Real Racing Club. Carlos Martínez from Villarreal CF and Víctor Rodríguez from La Masia, FC Barcelona’s academy, are applying their skills to FC Goa.
Beyond the playing field, Spanish football’s influence extends to Indian football’s tactical acumen, with high-profile figures making significant moves from Spain to India.
Notable names include Albert Roca, who serves as a technical consultant for Bengaluru FC, and Carles Cuadrat, the head coach of East Bengal Club, with Dimas Delgado as an assistant coach. Manolo Márquez holds the position of head coach at FC Goa, while at Mohun Bagan, Juan Ferrando and Antonio Lopez Habas lead the coaching staff as the head coach and technical director, respectively. In the Northeast, Juan Pedro Benali serves as the head coach of Northeast United, and Sergio Lobera holds the same role for Odisha FC.
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