LaLiga: Kieran Trippier could be key in Madrid derby; Barcelona must stop over-relying on Lionel Messi

There’s a saying that ‘a week is a long time in politics’ but in football that’s even more the case – last week Real Madrid were supposedly on the brink of turmoil but now they go in to the Madrid derby, one of the biggest games of the season, full of confidence and as favourites in a key match in the LaLiga title race.

For people in Madrid, this game is the biggest of the season; it’s now more important than ElClásico. The rivalry has only intensified in recent years with the two clubs battling it out for the Champions League and LaLiga title deciders.

In many ways, the Madrid derby is very similar to the Manchester derby – one club has traditionally dominated, but in recent years the city club has caught up and is challenging them for silverware.

I played in the South Wales Derby, and they were games to endure rather than enjoy. The fans are desperate for bragging rights over their friends and colleagues, and as players you need to cope with the pressure and find the motivation to go the extra mile.

Like English fans, Spanish people are extremely passionate about their football, and that enthusiasm spreads throughout cities across the country from Madrid to Seville as derby day gets close. El Gran Derbi takes place in a few weeks and is another fierce inner-city LaLiga rivalry that cannot be missed.

Diego Simeone embodies the fans’ ferocity on the touchline, and he’s one of the main reasons the derby is more intense than ever.

One player who is no stranger to intense derbies is Kieran Trippier – last week he became the first Englishman to assist two goals in a LaLiga match since David Beckham, and he could play a key role in this game. He is playing some of the best football of his career; he’s played every single game this season and is improving by the game.

I faced him in the Championship when he was at Burnley: he was a very difficult opponent, and he was strong going forward with an excellent delivery. He perfectly suits the wing-back role and I expect him to flourish.

Atlético can go nine points clear of their rivals with a win, but I think they’ll be happy with a point. Zinedine Zidane’s side continue to show how well they can perform under pressure; they were excellent beating Sevilla last weekend and followed it up in midweek. Real Madrid should be favourites, but the way this season has gone so far, I can’t call it.

Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid, Saturday 8pm, LIVE on LaLigaTV

Unpredictability will be a theme of this season and I’m sure it won’t be the last time we’re reflecting on some surprise results – the mid-table teams in LaLiga are quickly closing the gap on the top teams, making LaLiga only more competitive.

Barcelona have found this out several times this season and they are struggling for consistency. A week ago, they looked like they were back to their best, but now they are struggling. They need to press higher up the pitch and not rely so heavily on Lionel Messi. When Messi was rested previously, the other players stepped up and found ways to win convincingly - but they need to take more responsibility when Messi is in the side.

Levante, their opponents this weekend, are fearless and they could cause Barcelona more problems on Sunday night. Barcelona will be desperate to win; they’re 12 points off Atlético Madrid which is not good enough for a club of their size, and need to pick up some wins with a busy December and festive period coming up.

Festive football will be new to lots of LaLiga players and fans this season, but I think they are going to love it, there’s no better time to watch football with your family. I experienced it in England and really enjoyed it. But it is something the players will need to get used to – they may not be able to have their full Christmas dinner this year.

Barcelona vs Levante, Sunday 8pm, LIVE on LaLigaTV

On Friday night, Real Valladolid host Osasuna live on FreeSports and LaLigaTV and I think the home side will be hard to beat in this one.

Despite losing to Atlético last week, Valladolid were the better side for large parts of the game and Marcos André has been in fine form for them this season, he’ll be a threat again. He was slightly isolated in the defeat to Atléti playing as the lone striker, but I expect Sergio to pick two strikers in this game.

Rubén Garcia is a player I like in the Osasuna side, he’s been likened to Vicente, ex-Valencia midfielder and my ex-teammate at Brighton, and he’ll be a big threat going forward.

Valladolid vs Osasuna, Friday 8pm, LIVE on FreeSports & LaLigaTV

Manuel Pellegrini is a manager I thought could finally bring a level of consistency to Real Betis, at the start of the season you could see the defensive structure in the side. They had a dip in form until their win over Osasuna last week and need to find consistency again.

Joaquín recently reached 600 appearances in LaLiga but I don’t see him stopping soon – he’s still very fit and his stats show no sign of dropping - he’s also a showman and he adds so much personality to the side that they’ll need throughout the season.

Villarreal remain third in LaLiga despite three draws in a row and they are a solid team – Unai Emery has done well to instil discipline in the side. The one downside of this is how reliant they’ve become on Gerard Moreno’s goals, and we should see the attacking talents of Takefusa Kubo and Samuel Chukwueze more as the season progresses.

Real Betis vs Villarreal, Sunday 8pm, LIVE on LaLigaTV

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