Julián Álvarez, Simeone's Galáctico Ahead of tonight's game versus Espanyol (and on our Substack return), Jamie Kemp looks at La Araña's big money arrival and Atlético's reasons for the big splash. Why Julián Álvarez, and why now? lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/julian-alvar…

Adama Boiro (2002) set to make LaLiga debut, starting at LB for Athletic. Really different profile to what they've had at full back in recent memory. Comfortable managing the ball, inventive dribbler, and plenty of speed to cover the wing. Interested to see how he holds up.

Shot map from #FCB 7-0 Real Valladolid. 4.77 xG would have been the highest single-game figure in the whole of last season in LaLiga. Not just a day where the finishing was on point... big time demolition.

Nico Williams completed 1/9 dribbles against Atlético Madrid (11%) yesterday. Didn't see too much from him in attack, but a super start to the season for Marcos Llorente at RWB continues. On a day of defensive priority & slowing Athletic's rhythm, a crucial contribution.

Real Sociedad v Getafe (A): 1 shot 0.02 xG 1 touch in the opposition box Suspect the Monday rewatch is going to be difficult...

A goal + four assists in four #FCB games, as well as the most completed take-ons (15) + progressive passes (26) of any midfielder/forward in LaLiga this term. Crazy how quickly Yamal has established himself as a visionary footballer, and not just a specialist of certain traits.

Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski all have 5 combined goals and assists for #FCB in LaLiga this season. The last time three teammates hit that mark this early in a LaLiga season was Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale in 2015-16.

⚠️ Yeremay Hernández going mainstream... more on our Substack where that came from! lapausapodcast.substack.com

Lots of chatter this week about Depor's Yeremay Hernández. No surprise, La Pausa wrote about him OVER A YEAR AGO! 👏🏾👏🏾 Check out their piece on one of Spain's emerging talents. 👇🏾

Óscar Mingueza - a one-time centre back - has been one of the most influential attacking players in LaLiga this season. 📝 In our latest post, Jamie Kemp takes a look at his new role in Giráldez's entertaining Celta side. lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/unleashing-o…

Real Sociedad spent big to bag Orri Óskarsson from FC København hours before the deadline. They've invested in a forward with a Champions League skillset and striking similarities to an Arsenal all-rounder. Add him to your shortlists.

🎙️ La Pausa Podcast: 3 stats you ought to know, brutal Getafe, Óscar Mingueza, Flick's #FCB, the loss of Marc Bernal, and Marcelino's Villarreal all discussed on this one. Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4yOaRw… Substack: lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/brilliantly-…

Lamine Yamal for Spain 🇪🇸 (15 games): 3.2 chances created per 90 3.4 successful take-ons per 90 Since making his international debut a year ago, he's the only European player who has averaged 3+ in both categories (min. 500 minutes played). #FCB