Per usual, Phil Ball hits all the nails on the head in his preview of La Liga. The man has a knack for capturing all that is Spain and all that is footie.

La Liga’s back this weekend, a bit later than everyone else of course, but this is Spain. The early bird may indeed catch the worm, but as the Spanish say – ‘Let him’. Besides, in terms of Europe, the self-styled Liga de Las Estrellas (League of the Stars) couldn’t possibly do something so undignified as to take first bow on the stage…

There’s not too much to argue with the rest of Ball’s assessments. Real Madrid look good but not good enough to topple a remarkable Barcelona. Atlético Madrid look awesome on paper (per usual) but never seem to live up to their potential; this could be their year to hang at the top “just so long as they can manage to get over changing their kit for the first time in 90 years.”

People often say England’s the best the league in the world but I’m not so sure. Spain over England in European competition last year: Barca beats Ars*nal in the Champions League final, Sevilla thrashes Middlesbrough for the UEFA Cup. For me, these leagues are neck and neck.

Tottenham gets their first win of the season courtesy of a classy dismantling of newcomers Sheffield United. Haven’t seen the highlights yet but match reports suggest that it was a one-sided affair. Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock described the electric Aaron Lennon as “unplayable” at times. Are you listening Steve McClaren?

And lest I forget to mention it, can you believe Boro beat Chelski? As long as teams view the Russians as vulnerable there’s a chance the race for the title will still be open come spring. Man Ure putting on back-to-back pastings (5-1 vs. Fulham, 3-0 vs. Charlton) bodes well for the league at least being interesting.

The only team expected to sniff around the top of the table that I truly like is Liverpool. Building your team around a nucleus of classy Spaniards? There are worse things.