Sports Mole assesses Real Valladolid's chances of success in the new La Liga season.
It proved to be a fairly comfortable season for Real Valladolid last term, with the Spanish outfit finishing seven points clear of the relegation zone in La Liga.
They have not been too active in the transfer marker this summer, but they have managed to keep the majority of their squad together.
Here, Sports Mole assesses whether Valladolid can improve on last season's 14th-place finish in the new campaign.
In: Zakarya Bergdich (Lens), Alcatraz (Caldes), Diego Marino (Villarreal), Omar (Huesca), Heniz Barmettler (Vaduz), Humberto Osorio (San Martin)
Out: Mikel Balenziaga (Athletic Bilbao), Dani Hernandez (Ast. Tripolis – Loan), Alberto Bueno (Rayo Vallecano)
Last season: 14th
Manager: Juan Ignacio Martinez
Three key players:
Patrick Ebert: Undoubtedly, one of the biggest surprises in the La Liga transfer window has been the fact that Valladolid have been able to keep hold of the German's services. It would be no exaggeration to say that the midfielder is one of the most talented individuals in the division. Atletico Madrid had been strongly linked with his services, but it does appear that a move has gone cold in the last few weeks. The 26-year-old, who has previously played for the German Under-21s, moved to the Spanish outfit from Hertha BSC last summer. A succession of niggling injuries meant that he made just 21 league appearances for Valladolid last season, but he managed to find the back of the net on six occasions. Of course, there is a chance that he could still leave with the transfer window still open, but if Valladolid can keep him, then they will stand a much better chance of finishing above the bottom three.
Javier Baraja: There has been a number of incomings and indeed outgoings in La Liga this summer, but every team needs a player that knows what it takes to be a part of that club. Baraja, who will captain Valladolid in the new season, is that man. He spent his entire youth career with Valladolid, before making his first team debut in 2001. He departed one season, later, however, spending two years at Getafe before moving to Malaga in 2004. He returned to his hometown club in 2005, however, where he has since made just short of 200 league appearances. Baraja is not going to contribute goals or assists in the new season, but the number eight will be the player that his teammates look for when the going gets tough.
Oscar Gonzalez: In a team that struggled to create chances last season, Oscar registered 12 goals in the league. That alone makes him one of their key players for the new season, but his ability to run the channels and contribute assists makes him arguably their most crucial operator. Oscar is not known as a central striker, which makes his goal total of 32 in 96 league goals during his second spell at the club all the more impressive. He is another that came through the youth system, before making his debut in 2001. He departed for Real Zaragoza in 2004, where he spent four years before joining Olympiacos. He returned to Valladolid in 2010, however, and has since become a real fans favourite. If he can hit the ground running in the new campaign, then Valladolid will surely have enough to steer clear of the bottom three.
First game: Athletic Bilbao (H) Aug 18
Sports Mole says: It is difficult to be critical of Valladolid's performance last season after finishing in 14th position, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, not at any point during the campaign were they in any danger of dropping into the battle. That said, they are one of a number of teams that will be in the mix come the end of next season. They have managed to keep the bulk of their squad together, but there have been no major incomings, which the supporters had hoped would be the case. Their home form was fairly strong last season with just six defeats, but they did become an easy touch on the road, especially in the latter stages of the campaign. I shouldn't think they will make too many noises next season, but I think they will have enough to secure their La Liga status for another season come May.
Predicted finish: 16th
