FIVE TO WATCH — The men who will shape the Spanish season

LUIS SUAREZ

(Barcelona)

JEKYLL or Hyde? If Jekyll then he brings the pressing, the intensity and the sheer will to win which Barcelona lacked last season. If Hyde he’s another problem which they not only didn’t need but which they’ve ingested into an already troubled organism.

KOKE

(Atletico)

SPAIN’S young master. His assists and goals last season, plus his general contribution to a title triumph, were prodigious for a player of his age and experience. Coach Diego Simeone needs the same, or more, this term and assists to be provided for new striker Mario Mandzukic.

TONI KROOS

(Real Madrid)

WHEN Xabi Alonso ran out of juice last season, so did Madrid. Kroos is football intelligent, technically superior, young, accustomed to what it takes to win and a perfect complement for the ageing Spanish master by his side.

ERNESTO VALVERDE

(Athletic Bilbao)

THE 50-year-old is a sharp, intelligent coach. Always has been. He transformed Athletic last season and their brilliant new stadium will be complete this season. A citadel. But no Ander Herrera and the intense challenge of coping with the Champions League. Testing times.

RODRIGO

(Valencia)

COUSIN to Bayern’s Thiago and Barcelona’s Rafinha, there’s promise in the 23-yearold with the chequered (Madrid, Benfica, Bolton) playing history. A Soldadostyle striker — and Valencia, newly-bought by Peter Lim to save them from bankruptcy, need Soldado-style goals from him.