La Liga 2024/25: Key players, teams to watch as season kicks off

With the La Liga 2024/25 La Liga season kicking off on Thursday, it is the best time to look at five key talking points ahead of the campaign.

Mbappe’s arrival could alter Bellingham’s role at Real Madrid

England international Jude Bellingham took Spain by storm in his first year at Real Madrid, helping Los Blancos win the title and the Champions League.

Playing in an advanced role the midfielder netted 19 top-flight goals, but the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe could change the picture for Bellingham.

With Vinicius Junior and Mbappe forming a formidable attacking duo, Bellingham may take on more defensive responsibilities than his role at times last season, resembling his duties at Borussia Dortmund.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti must work quickly to find the best system for his galaxy of attacking stars to function.

Lewandowski’s declining form raises concerns for Barcelona

Former Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski excelled in his first campaign at Barcelona with 33 goals across all competitions, winning La Liga with the Catalans, and last season he managed 26 as Barcelona finished empty-handed.

Despite still achieving a respectable total, Lewandowski’s performance level was significantly diminished for much of the season.

The Polish striker turns 36 later in August and many Barcelona fans are concerned the veteran will not provide the verve they need to compete with Real Madrid for the Spanish title or against Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

Simeone’s tactical revamp at Atletico Madrid with new signings

After finishing fourth in a poor season last year Atletico Madrid have splashed the cash on several reinforcements this summer in an attempted rebuild.

Diego Simeone landed Argentine compatriot Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for a sizeable fee which could reportedly reach 85 million euros ($94 million), having already brought in striker Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal.

Atletico also signed Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad to bolster a back line which has not been able to live up to the club’s miserly defensive reputation.

Alvaro Morata, Saul Niguez, Memphis Depay and Stefan Savic among others have departed with the Rojiblancos sporting a new look for the season ahead.

Girona’s ambitious plans for 2024-25 season amid Champions League challenge

Last season’s surprise package Girona ran Real Madrid close at the top of the table for months before settling into a third-place finish.

Michel Sanchez’s team has lost sparkling winger Savinho and key striker Artem Dovbyk but will be hopeful of continuing to build on their remarkable achievements in what will be their fifth season in their history in La Liga.

Taking part in the Champions League provides both an opportunity and a challenge to the Catalans, who will have to juggle resources in a way they were not forced to last season.

Bryan Gil has arrived from Tottenham on loan, Oriol Romeu is back after an ill-fated spell at Barcelona, and Donny van de Beek has come in from the cold of Manchester United.

Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad strengthen as Basque rivals eye top 4 finish

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad were in danger of losing star players this summer but for now it appears they will be able to keep two of their prize assets.

Spain star Nico Williams has been handed the number 10 shirt at Athletic and despite links with Barcelona and other sides, appears content to stay with the Copa del Rey winners for at least one more season.

Likewise, La Real are set to keep pivotal midfielder Martin Zubimendi who rejected a move to Liverpool according to reports.

The Basque rivals will be hoping to break into the top four after Athletic finished fifth and Real Sociedad sixth last season.