This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
La Liga is back in action this weekend, with Barcelona starting their title defense against Athletic Bilbao on Friday. The Catalan giants have bolstered their squad with the signings of Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong this summer.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to launch their revival against Celta Vigo, with Eden Hazard set to make his debut. The Belgian midfielder has been a major signing for the club, and his arrival has raised hopes of a much-needed revival.
Atletico Madrid have also had an impressive transfer window, with the arrival of Joao Felix from Benfica. The 19-year-old has already impressed in pre-season, and could be the key to unlocking a more adventurous Atletico side.
Felix's arrival has also sparked debate about the departure of Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona. While some may have wondered whether it was prudent to spend all the money from the sale of Griezmann on a player who has barely started his senior career, Felix has already erased the frustration of the Frenchman's departure.
Another player to watch in La Liga this season is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder was at the heart of Ajax's barnstorming Champions League run last season, and he faces a different challenge at Barcelona. He becomes the leader of a new generation emerging at Camp Nou, and will be expected to exert more control in midfield.
Valencia have also made some key signings, including the arrival of Maxi from Celta Vigo. The Spanish striker scored 13 goals for a struggling Celta side last season, and could be crucial to Valencia's hopes of making the top four again.
Finally, Martin Odegaard is another player to watch in La Liga this season. The Norwegian midfielder failed to live up to the hype surrounding his move to Real Madrid as a 16-year-old in 2014, but a two-year loan at Real Sociedad offers him a chance to build on an encouraging spell at Vitesse last season.
