Pointy badge!
We’ve done England. We’ve done Germany. We’ve done France, Holland, Scotland, and even Azerbaijan. Now that all the money and headline-grabbing starlets are moving to Spain, we are too– in our comprehensive guide to all things La Liga.
Apologies to Sid Lowe, who wishes he could be as knowledgeable as we are. Without further ado… viva España!
The world is full of unremarkable things. We pass them by each and everyday without taking notice, because, quite simply, they’re unremarkable. Be they people, buildings, or shrubbery, it’s just a fact of Life. You can go great portions of your Life without their added texture and never miss it.
Yet, once they manage grab your attention and once you take the time to get to get to know them properly, like some shy girl, you discover their hidden beauty.
Sporting de Gijion is a lot like this: unremarkable but not without its beauty.
The problem is, the emphasis for Sporting really is on the unremarkable.
Founded in 1905 as Sporting Gijonés (only to gain royal patronage seven years later hence the ‘Real’ as part of their full name), the Rojiblancos (even non-Spanish speakers should be able to figure that nickname out) have no serious silverware to brag about. In fact, the most remarkable fact about the club is that uber-Summer Transfer Target, David Villa, came up through their youth system.
Despite a 21-year run in La Liga back in 70′s & 80′s, they don’t have one La Liga title or Copa del Rey trophy to worry about polishing. Nor will they need to worry about dusting the display case off in preparation for any new arrivals this campaign.
After 10 years in the second division, Sporting returned to La Liga last season, finishing 14th. Unfortunately, the club will do well to match that result this go-round. The squad is fairly young (and unremarkable), weighted more towards attack than defense. Croatian striker Mate Bilic (12 goals last term) and Spanaird David Barral (10 goals) are once again expected to lead the charge for the Red & Whites. Interestingly enough, Bilic and French defender Gregory are the only two first team non-Spaniards playing for the Austurian club. Elsewhere on the pitch, the midfield goes as vice-captain Michel (who’s flirted with moving to England) goes. Salty old-dog captain Rafel Sastre anchors the defense and captains the team.
Unfortunately, Sporting de Gijon are short on remarkable talent. Unfortunately, Sporting de Gijon may be back on their way to the unremarkable second division of Spanish football. Earning another season in La Liga would be remarkable, indeed.
