Emilio Aldecoa set foot in England as a refugee of Spanish civil war becoming the first Spaniard to play in the league. Albert Ferrer was probably the most high profile name to come in England from Spain when Chelsea signed him in th summer of 1998, helping them to qualify for their first ever champions league campaign
In 2003 the number of Spanish players in the league was four that was Ivan Campo, Reyes, Cesc and the once magical Gaizka Mendieta.
In 2004 we saw a rapid increase of Spanish players when liverpool decided to choose Benitez over Mourinho as their coach. Rafa took no time signing his coutrymen, bringing in the likes of Garcia, Alonso, Nunez and Josemi. He won the champions league with these players playing a major role. Not to mention The Reds came to a decline when the Spaniards left.
Back to the present, Spanish midfielders seem to be the key to success in the Premier league. A Spanish player in the centre has probably become one of the most essential ingredients of the elite Premier league teams. Imagine City winning the league without Silva pulling the strings in the middle or Chelsea winning the champions league without Mata, who made that killer corner which went straight to Drogba's head. It's hard to see these teams win anything without these vital players.
Wenger was probaly the first manager to figure out this formular when he broke gunner's transfer record by bringing in Reyes, though Reyes time at Highbury wasn't that successfull. Wenger went on and nurtured the talent of another young Spaniard called Cesc Fabregas who became an overnight success. Come this year he broke the bank again by signing Carzola from Malaga. With Arteta already a key player in the cetre, Arsenal now looks likely to end their trophy drought.
What of United? Is Carrick moulded by Fergie to play in a Spanish style. Modric looks more of a Madrista. Liverpool desparately trying to find a Spanish player in the market. And the rest of the world having their agents at the gates of La Masia, hoping to snap up the upcoming midfield maestro's from the main source itself.
Chelsea player of the season 2011-2012
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