TALENT SPOTTERS…
Sevilla’s recruitment policy is the envy of Europe and the sales of the club’s precocious talents have kept them competitive in Spain against Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here DAVID RALLIS looks at the old boys who went on to bigger things.
SERGIO RAMOS
Locally born, the tenacious, take-noprisoners defender, below, came through the youth ranks but had only one season in the first team before his potential was spotted by Real Madrid in 2005, who signed him for about £21million, a Spanish record for a teenager. The rest is history. Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and World Club Cup winner in 2014, plus 131 caps for Spain, with whom he won the 2010 World Cup and the European title in 2008 and 2012.
DANI ALVES
The Brazilian attacking right-back spent six years with Sevilla between 2002-2008 and quickly established himself as a favourite. Moves to Liverpool (2006) and Chelsea the following year fell through but he finally settled for Barcelona, where has won everything in the game – three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and six La Liga titles. This season’s Barca triumph took his personal haul to 30 trophies, one more than Pele. He also has 89 Brazil caps.
ADRIANO
Alves’ compatriot was at Sevilla from 2005-2010. The Brazilian defender, above, was snapped up by Barcelona the following season. He has played more of a bit-part role in the past couple of seasons but can still count two Champions League titles among his medal collection.
IVAN RAKITIC
Swiss-born Croatia midfielder, who joined from Schalke in 2011 and played a big part in their 2014 Europa League win before joining Alves and Adriano at the Nou Camp. Got the first in the 3-1 Champions League final win over Juventus as Barca won the Treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League last season.
JESUS NAVAS
Came through the Sevilla youth system and spent 10 years at the club, helping them win their first two UEFA Cup titles under Juande Ramos. The winger, left, was snapped up by Manchester City, with whom he has won the Premier League in 2014 and two League Cups. Could have won more than his 34 caps for Spain but suffered an anxiety disorder, which forced him to quit the international game between 2005-09.
SEYDOU KEITA
Malian midfielder spent his early years playing in France before joining Sevilla in 2007 but spent only one season there before becoming another to take the road to Barcelona. In four seasons at the Nou Camp he won three La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns and two Club World Cups before moving on to Roma.