Soccer is an ever-evolving sport. Legends keep evolving. New stars are made every year. Techniques deepen and improve. Tactics change and transform into something new all the time. To keep up with all of this requires a lot of effort, dedication, and passion. We believe the Madrid Euro Soccer Academy (MESA) players have that drive in them. During the Academy season, we are able to foster that essential and competitive spirit, so we know they have it in them.

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In the offseason, their passion for the sport and knowledge of the game can be deepened in a different way: by watching top-tier matches. Soccer played at the very top can feel very different. Watching the best players in the world compete can show young players ways to approach the game that might be more refined, bold, explosive, or skillful than they’re used to. It is the best place to draw inspiration from.

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There are many top-tier competitions for players to watch and learn from, but we think one of the best ones for them to study is La Liga; one of the best leagues in the world. MESA follows the approach and mentality of Spanish soccer, especially from Madrid, so we believe our players will get the most out of watching these teams play.

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La Liga: The Madrid Football Clubs’ Showcase

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All 20 competing teams in La Liga are the best of the best in Spain. The atmosphere is different. Passionate fans, screaming and chanting constantly, sold out stadiums and players battling or every inch of the pitch. The energy of the pitch separates elite players from good ones. Only the very best can thrive in this environment.

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There were four Madrid-based teams in last season’s La Liga: Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe CF. All of them achieved notable results. Real Madrid won La Liga, losing only one match. Atlético de Madrid was the only team to beat Real Madrid, proving their ability to challenge and pressure their rival club. Getafe CF solidified their position in La Liga by placing 12th. Rayo Vallecano pulled out all the stops to fight against relegation, ensuring they still play in next season’s La Liga.

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From a player’s perspective, La Liga boasted some of the biggest names in all of soccer. From Vinicius Junior to Jude Bellingham to Álvaro Morata to Memphis Depay to Borja Mayoral. These stars give fans something to look forward to. Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has injected new life into the team. Some say he brings hope, speed, power, and can shoot. The players on these teams are special. They work harder than other soccer players. Álvaro Morata admitted to not being as gifted as other players, but getting further because he works harder than any of them. With Kylian Mbappé joining Real Madrid, the excitement and stakes will undoubtedly rise even higher. 

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What Can Players Gain From Watching?

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The top level of competition gives young players a window into how the best teams and players think, play and compete. While Atlético de Madrid is a team with big names, they do not believe in superstars. The team is more important to them than any individual player. This perspective could lead to a player planning to improve on their ability to play within a system and be more selfless.

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A club like Getafe CF is negatively labeled by some, but keeping up with La Liga will show that they have a work ethic, physicality, and determination that’s second to no one. They take after the blue-collared spirit of their city. That approach to the game can appeal to a scrappier player who is searching for someone to look up to. 

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It’s about finding a place in the sport, resonating with other playing styles, and developing joy for soccer. When Vinicius Junior uses his creativity to dribble through the pitch and score, a young player might think “I’ve never seen that before!”

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Playing and practicing soccer is essential, but watching the best soccer Madrid has to offer brings a love for the sport. It can deepen their appreciation for the game, or have them reconsider how they want to develop as a player. It gives them inspiration, motivation, and direction.

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MESA players can use the offseason to further ignite their drive and passion, to allow them to form new goals for the upcoming season, to aspire for greatness. The future might be unknowable, but with enough guidance and effort, they might find themselves on the other end of the screen, playing in La Liga.

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