Spain's renaissance men
A stint in Spain could be the perfect remedy for a confidence crisis or slump in form, as these rejuvenated stars will attest.
Geoffrey Kondogbia showed glimpses of what made him one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in Europe with a stunning goal to inspire high flying Valencia to its ninth straight win on Monday (AEDT).
Just four months ago, the 24 year-old was being berated for a string of horror performances with Inter Milan.
Kondogbia was whisked away to Valencia in a bid to rebuild his career and the stint in Spain has worked wonders for the Frenchman. He’s not the only star getting back to his best in Spain this season.
Simeone Zaza – Valencia
The ultimate redemption story, Simeone Zaza’s career was in tatters after missing that infamous penalty which knocked Italy out of UEFA EURO 2016.
He was then shipped to West Ham on loan from Juventus in August last year, where he failed to score in 11 appearances before he was loaned out again to Valencia.
Zaza made his move to Valencia permanent at the start of the season and hasn’t looked back, with nine goals in 11 league appearances – second only to Lionel Messi.
Iago Aspas – Celta Vigo
Iago Aspas sealed move to Liverpool in 2013 after helping Celta Vigo escape relegation. Unfortunately for the striker, the goals dried up when he arrived at Anfield failing to score in 14 Premier League appearances before being shipped out on loan.
Aspas returned to where it all began in 2015, signing a five-year deal with Celta Vigo and the Spaniard has swiftly put his horror stint in England behind him with 39 goals in 78 league appearances.
There’s clearly no place like home.
Paulinho - Barcelona
Expecting a big-money signing in the off season, Barcelona fans were furious to see Paulinho at the Camp Nou, but the Brazilian midfielder has already silenced his critics - legendary midfielder Xavi among them - with a scintillating start to the season.
Many thought the former Tottenham midfielder’s best days were behind him after leaving the Premier League at 27 to join cashed-up Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.
Paulinho has proved he still has plenty of good football ahead of him, cementing himself as an integral member of the Barcelona squad with a highly impressive start to life in LaLiga.
Javi Garcia – Real Betis
There was plenty of hype on a young Javi Garcia, after making his debut for Real Madrid as a 17 year-old, but the defensive midfielder failed to establish himself in two spells at the Bernabeau.
Garcia eventually sealed a big-money move to Manchester City on the back of three fruitful seasons at Benfica, but a struggle for regular game time saw the Spaniard sign for Zenit Saint Petersburg.
The 30 year-old left the Russian wilderness at the end of last season and returned to Spain for the first time in eight years. Garcia has cracked the top 50 in passes, touches and interceptions already this season.
Loic Remy – Las Palmas
Remy has played for nine clubs in the last 11 seasons, but the journeyman might have found his home in Spain averaging one goal every 77.5 minutes for Las Palmas this season.
A starting spot can’t be far away if the former Chelsea striker’s scintillating form off the bench continues.
