La Liga Weekly

Ok, hot shot, what does a 22 year-old, budding Argentine striker with an outstanding goal scoring ratio do when he doesn’t get enough respect?

Gonzalo Higuaín, the 6ft, calmy clinical Real Madrid striker has an impressive young footballing resume. He began his career in Argentina for CA River Plate and after 3 seasons, Los Blancos, came beckoning. The lure of La Liga BBVA, the glorious global tradition of Real Madrid CF, and the enormous boost in salary were all too much for this developing young man.

How does a fantastic striker with, a goal every other match ratio (48 goals/96 appearances), on arguably, the most famous futbol club in the world, stay under the radar?

Two glaring realities leap to mind:

1) Gonzalo’s strike partner is Raul. Raul IS the face of Real Madrid, period! Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka may sell kits around the world, but Spaniards and educated Madridistas around the globe know that Raul is Madrid born and bred. He also has already won many trophies for the passionate Madridista following (6 La Liga Titles, 3 Champions League Trophies, 4 Copa del Reys, 1 UEFA Super Cup, and 2 FIFA World Club cups!) and his loyalty fills every pore of his being. Paolo Maldini spending over 20 seasons for AC Milan is rare for current footballers and it’s the stuff of legends; Raul is cut from the same cloth. He has given 18 seasons of relentless excellence and effort for the famous white kit. It is rather difficult to shine when you are in the shadow of a legend.

2) Higuaín is NOT a sexy, glamorous player! Real Madrid is a historic sports entity and the movie star of world. With those two components, constant media attention is thrust upon the daily occurrences produced from stage that is, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. La Liga BBVA is not just about playing winning futbol, but also about doing it with style and providing elegant weekly gatherings at futbol cathedrals across Espana. Gonzalo is a dependable, reliable striker for RMCF, but his calm demeanor doesn’t stir excitement for the Spanish press.

So what does a player of Higuaín’s skill and youth do? Manchester City, with their new found money, Chelsea, and a cast of other futbol financial giants may be the very thing that Higuaín needs to get him noticed at his own club. Does Real Madrid CF dare to part with such a growing, confident striker? It could be a smart economic transaction, but will he be inspired to make Los Blancos pay for their carelessness?

Higuaín’s saving grace is that he is 22 years-old and Raúl is 33 years-old in June. Raúl has a lot of miles on him and Los Blancos, for once, may be planning for the long term. The remainder of the La Liga BBVA season and the World Cup in South Africa this Summer will provide a clearer picture to this young Argentine’s future.