A Look at El Clasico

We're nearly a month into the Summer transfer window and arch rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona have already spent a hatful in order to bolster their squads to try and reclaim the title from Atletico. 

Barcelona add Luis Suarez to their already magnificent attack after agreeing a deal with Liverpool for £75m. It was probably the worst kept secret this summer and it didn't catch anyone by surprise when it was announced. Suarez is a world class player and has been a revelation in Liverpool's rise to prominence again, contributing 69 goals in 110 games. He certainly will be able to get Barcelona goals. The only problem I have with this transfer is that I am not sure where abouts he play on the pitch. Last season in the Premier League, he was often playing in a central position normally behind Daniel Sturridge with a tendency to drift wide and cut in with a free role. At Liverpool he was the main man, will he be able to cope with playing second fiddle to Messi or even Neymar? While he is banned from footballing activity for 4 months, rumour has it that he will be back in time to take on Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, Real Madrid revealed another one of their fabled Galacticos in Colombia's James Rodriguez. After a stunning World Cup, which saw him net 6 goals and win the Golden Boot, Carlo Ancelotti was quick to snap up the Colombian from AS Monaco for an estimated £63m. The 23 year old, seems to be a hit with the Madristas as 45,000 turned out for the unveiling and it has been reported that 345,000 James shirts were sold in the first 48 hours, already re-paying 20% of the transfer fee (that's if all my statistics are correct). Last season with Monaco, he netted 10 times and assisted 12 goals in 38 games, a tally that secured the recently French club to second position in Ligue 1. The signing completes a fearsome attack that surely must rank as the best in the world.

Having purchased Suarez this year and Neymar last season, Luis Enrique decided to strengthen in defensive positions in an attempt to reduce the goals conceded. The acquisition of Jeremy Mathieu was rather surprising, particularly for £15.8m and at 30 years old, he won't have very many playing years left. Even though Barcelona have been dominant over the last number of years, it has much been down to retaining possession and not letting the opposition attack. Mathieu may be a short term fix until they are able to acquire an heir to Carles Puyol. Another signing is that of Croatia's Ivan Rakitic. The former Sevilla man had a decent World Cup with Croatia, but was unable to guide the European side into the knockout stages. It is a possibility that he will be lined up to replace Xavi, in terms of dictating the play and fills the void left by Fabregas' departure. I don't see him becoming a regular starter in his first season as he will find it hard to displace Sergio Busquets at the heart of midfield and could be a rotational option for Xavi.

Toni Kroos has been phenomenal over the last two seasons and has been at the centre of success for Bayern and Germany. He joined the Champions League winners from the Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich for a fee believed to be £24m and snub a move to Manchester United. For £24m Madrid have bagged themselves a bargain as Kroos should command a fee that's at least double this amount. I expect Kroos to play along side Alonso and dictate the game and be an excellent addition to this young squad. The signing of James Rodriguez has almost overshadowed Kroos' transfer, and I think this one will be just as significant as the Colombian.

Germany have a number of exceptional young goal keepers in their possession, and since Victor Valdes didn't have his contract renewed, it was necessary to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 22 year old has recently admitted that he "enjoys the Barcelona way" in a recent interview after the friendly win against Recreativo Huelva. The former Monchengladbach man has a sparkling career ahead of him and will be one of Europe's top goal keepers in years to come. Having also turned down the option of renewing Jose Pinto's contract, Luis Enrique was in search of a back up keeper to ter Stegen, and who better than Claudio Bravo. The Chilean had a good World Cup which notably saw Chile beat Spain but narrowly go out on penalties to Brazil. At 31, this is his big money move and will hope to enjoy his time in Catalonia before hanging up the boots.

It has been a very busy transfer window for both Barcelona and Real Madrid with big sums of money being forked out on both sides. With world class talents on offer, it makes the El Clasico encounters so much more tasty. I cannot wait to see this La Liga season unfold.