Isco and Iker Munian: Two homegrown stars to watch out for this season

Francisco Roman Alarcon alias Isco controls the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

La Liga, an attractive destination for the world’s best players, both foreign and homegrown, is aptly known for its vast riches. It is no wonder to us that four of the world’s top five expensive transfers were done by Real Madrid.

Spain enjoyed victories both in the World Cup and in the Euro Cup 2012. The success was purely due to homegrown talent from Barcelona, Real Madrid and other clubs.

We’ve already seen a bunch of homegrown talent from Barcelona and Real Madrid who represent Spain, the current number one international team. Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Ramos, Casillas are just few of the names.

Isco and Iker Muniain are two players who are fast rising in the La Liga, which promotes homegrown players.

Isco

Originally a product of Valencia’s youth system, Isco made his dream debut in Valencia’s Copa del Rey match against UD Logroñés in 2010. He scored two goals for Valencia and attracted a lot of attention from other clubs.

In the 2011 transfer window, Malaga snatched up this young player. He was key in Malaga’s best ever run in the Champions League, as they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

In 2013, he ended speculation by signing a contract with Real Madrid, his dream team. Scoring a late winner in Real Madrid’s tie against Real Betis, Isco has already earned a place in Real fans’ hearts.

The 21 year old also won the European Golden Boy award in December last year, beating the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Stephan El Sharaawy.

He has a good sense of attacking play and was also credited as the most promising star in La Liga. He is capable of playing through the centre and can also play in from out wide. A genuine star in the making, Isco has also a keen sense of vision for passing and can convert goals at odd angles.

A real asset for Real Madrid, he is a youngster to watch out for this season.

Iker Muniain

Iker Muniain is still four months away from his 21st birthday. Having played four seasons with Athletic Bilbao, it is not surprising for him to find a place here. Often dubbed the Spanish Messi by the media, he has been in scintillating form in recent years. A genuine product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth ranks, he has proved that he is a star to keep an eye out for next season.

Making his debut with Bilbao in their UEFA Champions League qualifying match against BSC Young Boys, he set a record for being the youngest player in Athletic’s history to play an official game, at 16 years 7 months and 11 days old.

In 2009, he became the youngest player to score in a first division match as he netted the second goal in a 2-2 draw against Real Valladolid.

He also made it into the Spain U-21 team at the tender age of 18 and has been a subsequent starter for them. On 24 February 2012, Muniain was called up to the senior team for the first time, for a friendly with Venezuela.

With Fernando Llorente gone from Bilbao’s attacking lines, he has to get into the firing line and score more goals for Bilbao.

After scoring a goal in Sunday’s victory against Real Valladiolid, it will be no surprise to see Muniain heading for a heavyweight club like Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the near future.