Football Season Guide

For Real Sociedad, 2016/17 was a stellar campaign and they even pushed for Champions League qualification at points, ultimately earning a deserved Europa League berth. They'll hope to at least replicate that success in 2017/18 while it wouldn't be inconceivable for them to go one or two spots better than last year's 6th place finish. The fact that they now have a talented coach in the form of Eusebio, who rejected any advances from bigger clubs during the summer, is very encouraging. The team has become well used to and comfortable with his 4-3-3 formation which was expertly led by their front three of Willian Jose, Juanmi and Carlos Vela last year, with the trio taking turns to provide the necessary goals. The midfield was just as impressive as Asier Illarramendi and David Zurutuza formed one of the best midfield partnerships in the country. So the fact that all five of these key players are still at the club – even if Vela will move to the MLS in January – is a major positive. In fact, the only starter to have left San Sebastian this summer was left-back Yuri Berchiche, signed by PSG. Yet, La Real have sufficient left-back quality in reserve, with Alberto de la Bella and Kevin Rodriguez. As for the new players to have been signed, there haven't been too many arrivals but the few imports have been impressive ones. Adnan Januzaj signs from Manchester United looking to reboot his career and there is belief that he'll fit into the system well and that he'll be up to speed by January, in time to take over from Vela on a full-time basis. Diego Llorente's signing was also made to the tune of much fanfare, with the young centre-back having impressed while on loan at Malaga last season, causing Real Sociedad to invest in him, purchasing him from Real Madrid.