What do players in LaLiga really think about each other? If they could sign any player from the globe, who would it be? Which stadiums do they enjoy visiting? And who are the coaches that get under their skin?
In the second installment of LaLiga Confidential, ESPN conducted interviews with 30 players from Spain’s top league, uncovering their thoughts on these questions and more – four years after the inaugural edition. All responses were provided anonymously, revealing intriguing insights into which players are considered the best in the league—be it Real Madrid‘s Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona‘s Pedri, or Lamine Yamal—and shedding light on players who often go unnoticed or those most prone to receiving red cards.
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PLAYERS AND COACHES: LaLiga stars share their views
The initial question garnered expected responses, although the division between Pedri and Yamal highlights the high regard in which the Barça midfielder is held by his peers. Subsequent questions bring attention to some of the league’s underrated players, as well as those perceived as less disciplined—look away now, Getafe—and the coach considered the biggest provocateur during matches.
1. If you were to manage a team, who would be your top signing?
What they expressed:
— “Mbappé can single-handedly change the outcome of a game.”
— “Haaland is a sure bet for goals.”
2. Who do you think is the most underrated player in LaLiga currently?
What they expressed:
— “Raphinha deserved the Ballon d’Or.”
3. Which player do you think is most likely to receive a red card?
What they expressed:
— “Anyone competing against Madrid or Barcelona.”
4. Which coach is the most bothersome from the sidelines?
What they expressed:
— “Simeone loves to stir the pot with opposing teams.”
— “Bordalás complains about everything.”
AWAY DAYS: The premier venues in Spain
Visiting Barcelona and Real Madrid is always a highlight, but beyond the Clásico rivals, LaLiga features some of the most compelling away games in European football. Yet, the term ‘best’ does not always equate to ‘easy’, as teams like Athletic Club in Bilbao, Real Betis in Seville, and Rayo Vallecano in Madrid consistently present challenges for visiting squads.
5. What’s the most challenging away fixture in terms of atmosphere and crowd?
6. Which city do you look forward to visiting the most when the schedule is released?
GOALS AND GAMES: Thoughts on celebrations, viewing habits, and EA FC
In the final section, LaLiga stars were asked about several additional topics, including their feelings on scoring against former teams, how much football they watch, experiences with burnout, and those critical EA FC player ratings.
7. Would you celebrate if you scored against a former team?
What they expressed:
— “No, I hardly ever score, so it would be bad luck if my only goal this season was against a former team.”
— “Not really, I believe in showing utmost respect for the team that helped me reach this stage.”
— “I hope to stay loyal to my original team always.”
8. How many matches outside of your own team do you typically watch per week?
What they expressed:
— “I don’t watch much. I prefer NFL or NBA.”
— “I catch two or three games, primarily Premier League matches.”
— “I don’t watch much football. I prefer spending time with my family or disconnecting.”
9. Have you ever experienced burnout from too much playing time?
What they expressed:
— “Competing in multiple tournaments can be exhausting.”
— “Not really, but during Christmas, you tend to miss your family, which can be draining.”
10. If you play EA FC, do you consider the player ratings to be fair?
What they expressed:
— “They tend to favor well-known players but often underestimate the less recognized ones.”
— “Some ratings are excessively high [laughs].”
— “Goalkeepers rarely get the ratings we believe they merit.”
— “Defenders consistently receive lower scores than we think we deserve [laughs].”
Contributors to this report include ESPN’s Eduardo Fernández-Abascal, Sam Marsden, Tony Mabert, and Connor O’Halloran.