Ayala Joins The Zaragoza Revolution

I told you Zaragoza was a good and more importantly, smart side. I mentioned yesterday the Spanish side's strategy was signing unwanted star players from the bigger teams. And before you know it - Zaragoza signs Ayala. Unwanted at Valencia but a defender legend in his own right, I believe Ayala still has a few more years left in him. He will probably not be able to keep up with the likes of Henry and Eto, but his experience and his superb reading of the game is matched by few in the world.

Ricardo Oliveira is Loaned to Zaragoza

Just saw the news that the Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira has been loaned out to Zaragoza for a year. I would like to spend a little time talking about Real Zaragoza. When I think of them, I get reminded of Spurs. A top five side that does not have the high profiles of Valencia, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But without a doubt a team that boasts a lot of talents. They are used to getting star players that the other teams discard and have done a great job putting everyone into the same team. Aimar is one. Diego Milito and previously Gabriel Milito are two great players in their own right. Andrés D'Alessandro is another top class playmaker that can't get into the Argentina national team because of Riquelme and Messi. Albert Celades played previously for Barcelona and Real Madrid and isn't too bad a defensive midfielder.

Come to think of it, it is a pretty good strategy. Target those players that are good prospects and have been bought at high prices by the big clubs or came through the ranks of the youth academies. But because of the huge competition at such clubs, they find themselves warming the bench most of the time. That is how Zaragoza ends up at its current league position.