The European leagues are already starting, some already have, and as always there is great debate among fans as to what country has the best league in the world? This is a very tough question because each league is unique and possess a certain style of play that makes it hard for an honest comparison. However, the Champions League is often used as a measure since it includes the winners of every league. For the last couple years the British teams have dominated and so the EPL has been regarded as the best league in Europe: Last year for instance there were 3 EPL teams vs 1 La Liga team in the semi-finals. Judging by the recent transfer window, it looks like the EPL will once again battle La Liga for the title. Barcelona is the last winner and is looking to improve its squad with players like Ibrahimovic and possibly the return of prodigal son Fabregas. Real Madrid on the other hand has embarked on a spending spree that has seen them splash nearly 300 million euros in fantastic players like Kaka and Ronaldo. The big four from England have lost some players, mainly to La Liga, but have added others and all look like will be in good shape; only Arsenal could see its spot lost, with Manchester City claiming it. In Italy Inter looks strong with the recent purchase of Etoo'o and maybe some Real players. Juventus has also improved their team roster with players like Diego and Felipe Melo, and AC Milan are in a restructuring phase. The Italians look strong but not like in previous years when they dominated. If they are to win they will have to avoid the big teams until the semi-finals unlike last year when they were all eliminated the British Armada. The other leagues have good teams but none that can compare to the ones already mentioned. Unless a big surprise occurs in this incoming season, the title will be once again battled between the Spanish and British super powers. Personally I would love to see Barcelona hold on to their title at the Bernabeu against its hated arch-rivals Real Madrid. Regardless of the winner, this competition will be a great appetizer before the World Cup.
In all its football history, Spain has always been a big disappointment in big tournaments such as the World Cup. They always arrive as one of the favorites, with great players, but when it is time to deliver, they always fail. Will this time be any different? I think the anwer is yes. Spain already demonstrated in the last Euro cup that this new generation of players has the mentality, the attitude, and the ambition to be protagonists and winners. Not only that, but they have a good coach, and a great system of play suited to their abilities. Lately Del Bosque has shied away from the tiqui-taca a little bit and that seems not to be helping them out much. In the last game against Macedonia they were down 2-0 in the first half but when the coach decided to play the style that has won them world acclaim and a Euro Cup, the team came back to win 3-2. I think that if they continue to play in that form and Andres Iniesta has an injury-free season Spain will be one of the favorites. Their defeat against the USA came at the right moment: It may have ended an undefeated 15 game streak but it helped them realize that they still can improve and that if they are serious about winning the World Cup they will need to elevate their game even more. Their aspirations also rest on Iniesta who I think is one of the best midfielders in the world. He has vision, an excellent passing ability, and can dribble like few. He has always been my favorite Barcelona player along with Messi and believe that Spain's chances of winning the Cup depend largely on him and his partner Xavi.
The Super Cup is fast approaching and Barcelona must win it if they want to start the season with the right foot. Barcelona already defeated Athletic Bilbao in the King's Cup final but they will surely want revenge. Barcelona has everything they need in order to secure the first trophy of the season but it would be a mistake to underestimate Athletic. They don't possess the firepower that Barcelona does but have a very good and talented team. Florentino and his "Galacticos" have usurped the headlines from Barcelona this summer with all the mega stars the Real president has brought to the Bernabeu so this will be a perfect opportunity to get them back without having to spend millions on top-rated footballers. If Barcelona loses the cup Madrid will seize the opportunity to put presure on them and that could cost them once the league begins. If they win however, it will confirm that they are still hungry for success and send a clear message to Kaka and Ronaldo that the La liga title and the spotlight will be Barca's once again.
