La Liga got started last weekend and a few of the league’s top performers failed to make a difference. All of last season’s top five teams had a tougher time than usual thanks to some solid organization from their opponents and underwhelming performance from their stars. Here are five superstars who must step up for their teams in La Liga Week 2.
5. Jackson Martinez
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Jackson Martinez may get some slack as he is new to La Liga. The Colombian forward came with a big reputation, deservedly so, and Atletico need his goals. Martinez will benefit from having Antoine Greizmann as his partner, but he’s expected to provide that extra power in attack for Diego Simeone’s side. A big test awaits during the weekend.
4. Pablo Piatti
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Pablo Piatti’s play from the wing saw him score seven goals and add six assists last season. With Alvaro Negredo showing signs of some good form early on, things should be easier for the tricky winger. Piatti couldn’t influence the match and was hooked before full-time as a result. Valencia need him to have the same type of productivity he had last season.
3. Kevin Gameiro
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Kevin Gameiro is now the man leading the line for Sevilla after Carlos Bacca’s departure. The French forward had some important moments for Sevilla in a substitute role last season and a show of faith has seen him take the starting spot. He was poor on the opening day with zero shots on target and Sevilla failed get points against Malaga.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
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Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t the only one guilty of missing chances against Sporting Gijon, but the Portuguese attacker had zero shots on target. If there’s anyone expected to break the deadlock in games like that, it’s Ronaldo. Madrid may be making Gareth Bale the focal point of the side, but Ronaldo is still the go-to man.
1. Lionel Messi
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Luis Suarez saved the day, and Lionel Messi from embarrassment, with his goal against Athletic Bilbao. For the third straight game, the Argentinian could not make an impact in the final third. Missing a penalty that should have opened the scoring makes for a bad day at the office.
Always Thinking Football 