When one of the big leagues kicks off, I always like to keep an eye on which Uruguayan players are playing for which teams. Seeing them succeed is a proud moment for our nation, after all, there’s only 3.5 million of us!
There are several Uruguayan players playing in La Liga this season, all of whom have interesting stories to tell about how they got to where they are, and their future. Here, I would like to take a little look at some:
An overview of the most prominent Uruguayan players in Spain’s La Liga
Fede Valverde: Without a doubt, he is one of the Uruguayans who has grown the most on a personal level over the last year. Personally, I thought that he was ready to go to the last World Cup with Uruguay but Tabarez, El Maestro, decided not, which must be respected. I think this even served him well and helped him move on to the next level and show the type of player he is. Being able to play in several midfield positions is one of Valverde’s most important skills and qualities; he is always perfecting himself and coming up with the goods for the team. He has a great future ahead of him.
Ronald Araujo: It’s a real pleasure to see him playing in Barcelona’s first team. To be honest, I didn’t know much about him, I had only seen him in Uruguay Under-20 matches, but two things stand out about him: the first is how brave he was to leave home at such a young age and decide to go and play for Barça B (where he learnt Barcelona’s DNA from within the club) and the second, and most important, is the fact that he was ready to take his chance when the opportunity came about. This was proven when he was selected by Koeman to play alongside Piqué when Lenglet was out. Another one with a bright future.
Luis Suárez: It has been a difficult summer for Luis due to everything that has happened, but when one door closes, another door always opens. He sought this move, which has allowed him to continue to show us how good he really is. It is also an unexpected challenge for him, as we all thought that he would finish his career at Barcelona, I imagine that even he thought he would. Let’s hope he keeps on proving himself.
Jose María Giménez: I think this is a big season for him, and the main thing is that he stays injury-free. Right when he has been playing his best football, injuries have taken their toll on his involvement. He has been labelled as one of those central defenders that every great team, including Atlético Madrid, wants in their team. Good luck to him and long may it last.
Lucas Torreira: I think he needed a change, and what better team than Atlético Madrid for his style of play. When I say change, I am referring to how he played and what he represented when playing for his previous team, Sampdoria, which he couldn’t replicate at Arsenal, for various reasons. You can’t afford to pass up an opportunity to play for a club like Atlético Madrid. I hope he can play an important role for them.
Mauro Arambarri: A personal favourite of mine as he played with my son in the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand. His best trait is the fact that he doesn’t stop, he backs himself and he does it over and over again. A joy to watch.
Before I finish, I would like to take the chance to wish good luck to all the other Uruguayans playing in La Liga: Maxi Gómez, Damián Suárez, Mathías Olivera, Lucas Olaza, Pacha Espino, Gastón Silva and Erick Cabaco. All the best!