The Liga BBVA’s 'gauchos'

The Aranguren Labirú brothers arrived on the coast of San Sebastian at the start of the 20th century. 12 years later, they became the first Argentinians to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid. And 100 years later the flow of Argentinians to the Liga BBVA has barely ceased, with dozens of footballers following the footsteps of the Aranguren brothers each season, dreaming of scaling the heights of predecessors Alfredo Di Stéfano, Diego Armando Maradona and Mario Alberto Kempes, to name but a few.

Lionel Messi made the journey 10 years ago and the FC Barcelona number 10 continues to win trophies and break records each season, and last November he became the all-time top scorer in the Liga BBVA. In order for Messi to shine as much as he does, the job of his compatriot Javier Mascherano is crucial. The ‘jefecito’ (little boss) arrived in Barcelona in 2010 and five seasons later is one of the reference points in Luis Enrique’s side’s rearguard.

The team with the most Argentine players is Valencia CF. There are currently five successors to club legends Kempes, Roberto Fabián Ayala and Pablo César Aimar at the Mestalla: Nicolás Otamendi, Lucas Orbán, Enzo Pérez, Rodrigo de Paul and Pablo Piatti. The striker from Córdoba has been at the club for several years but has managed to hold down a place in this renewed Valencia, and every time he finds the net, his team wins, with his seven goals helping his side to six wins this term, and he has also provided five assists. Otamendi meanwhile has reminded the Estadio de Mestalla of the warrior-like attitude and solidity of Ayala, was well as becoming one of the players the opposition fears the most from dead ball situations.

Argentinians in other teams have also developed a habit of scoring goals, a perfect example being Luciano Vietto at Villarreal CF. In October 2011 Diego Simeone, back then coach of Racing Club de Avellaneda, gave him his debut and three years later the lightning-quick number 7 crossed continents to move to Villarreal, and he has proved a roaring success, scored 12 league goals in his maiden season in the Liga BBVA and is one away from equaling his best ever tally, the 13 goals he scored in season 20112-13 with La Academia. His team-mate at the Yellow Submarines, Mateo Musacchio, meanwhile is in his fifth year in the Liga BBVA despite his mere 24 years, and he contributes experience and youth to his team.

Joaquín Larrivey has also honed his scoring touch and in the last two years in Spain has developed into a nightmare for rival goalkeepers. Right now he is RC Celta’s top scorer, with nine goals. The striker from Gualeguay represents Argentina in the Galician club, along with compatriots Gustavo Cabral and Augusto Fernández.

There are also three Argentinians at Sevilla FC: goalkeeper Mariano Barbosa, defender Nico Pareja and central midfielder Éver Banega. The Rosario-born player has found his feet at Unai Emery’s side after spells at Atlético Madrid and Valencia, and this term has been keen as ever to show off the magic he possesses in his right boot.

Many players from the country founded by Martín Fierro populate the Liga BBVA. Some carry football in their blood such as defenders and brothers Emanuel and Emiliano Insúa, of Granada CF and Rayo Vallecano respectively, and others are starting to shine such as goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli (Real Sociedad), midfielder Bruno Zucullini and Fede Cartabia (both of Córdoba CF). They all carry in their boots the rhythm of Argentine tango and week after week keep captivating followers of the Liga BBVA.

And you only need to look at the most recent squad Argentina manager Gerardo Martino named for the upcoming international friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador: the former Barcelona coach named eight players from the Liga BBVA in his side: Rulli, Otamendi, Orbán, Musacchio, Mascherano, Banega, Enzo Pérez and Messi.