
CA Osasuna 2016/2017 Squad Review
Season 3 - FIFA 15
Starting Eleven (4-4-2 Holding)
* = Youth Academy Player
** = Player Growth Status
FORMAT= Position - Name (nationality) (overall + age) (growth)

GK - Asier Riesgo (Spain) (75 OVR 33yrs) (+1): 8/10
33 Appearances - 14 Clean Sheets
Even at 33 years old he still makes some very impressive saves and as you can see he continues to grow! He usually receives the most offers during the offseason, and with Rodriguez and Lisch on the bench I may consider selling him next season, unless he decides to retire which I wouldn't have any problems with. The preseason friendlies will help me decide what I will do with the goalkeepers. Who knows, Riesgo may actually be the starter for another season.
*RB - Paré Bulhões Romeu (Spain) (75 OVR 18yrs) (+2): 8/10
29 Appearances - 1 Goal & 2 Assists
**Has Potential To Be Special
Naturally a RW
Despite naturally being a winger, Romeu has done an incredible job at adapting to the full back position. Even with low defensive stats he was hardly ever exposed in defense. He was beat in the air several times though due to his low height. I will continue to play him at RB until his pace increases and I can play him in his natural position.
RCB - Miguel Flaño (c) (Spain) (72 OVR 32yrs) (-1): 7-10
37 Appearances
I have loads of respect for our captain, but I think that next season he will have to step down. I honored his hierarchy for three years already so I can comfortably give his role to someone else. I will not sell him since I would like him to retire with the club he's been with for over a decade. He's not even that old for a defender I don't understand why the game has been downgrading him consistently despite never being in poor form.
LCB - Raul Albentosa (Spain) (75 OVR 28yrs) (+2): 9/10
32 Appearances - 2 Goals
This season he really solidified himself as our top defender. Whenever he's near the play I hardly have to worry, especially when the ball is in the air. He also scored two goals for us this year, both of which being in the Europa League, and the second being in the final no less.
LB - Sisi (Spain) (73 OVR 33yrs) (+0): 8/10
35 Appearances - 1 Assist
Naturally a RM
He may not have many assists to support it, but he is always really involved in attack as is Romeu. He's a great dribbler and has great pace so he can easily dribble up the pitch through several defenders before passing the ball. A great winger turned defender, and even though his physical stats are decreasing his technical stats are still on the rise.
RDM - Victor Camarasa (Spain) (76 OVR 23yrs) (+2): 8/10
37 Appearances - 3 Goals and 5 Assists
A crucial player for Osasuna, but unfortunately he feels it is time to move on. He's been a great box to box midfielder for Los Rojillos with a great balance of attack and defense, however it is still unknown if he will stay for next season.
LDM - Sergi Darder (Spain) (74 OVR 23yrs) (+1): 7/10
34 Appearances - 4 Assists
Darder carries most of the defensive responsibilities in midfield, and it wasn't until the last few months that he showed what he is really capable of. He's more of a playmaker than a defensive mid, but he is great at interceptions and once I finally saw that Darder's performances skyrocketed. There was talk of him being replaced before January, but I don't think I'll be sending him away anytime soon.
RM - Roberto Torres (Spain) (74 OVR 28yrs) (+1): 9/10
37 Appearances - 13 Goals & 5 Assists
Naturally a CAM
Torres has played in a different position each season. Season 1 he was the LCM of a 4-3-3 scoring 8 goals and assisting 12. Season 2 he was the LW of the same 4-3-3, scoring 8 goals again and assisting 10. This season he played as the RM of a 4-4-2 and he broke his personal goal scoring record with 13. As you can see, a player that can adjust to various different positions and a crucial player in our squad. Next season he will continue to play RM as I don't plan on changing formations, however he is also a candidate for the RDM position if Camarasa decides to leave.
LM - Isma Lopez (Spain) (75 OVR 27yrs) (+3): 7/10
36 Appearances - 3 Goals & 2 Assists
Even though he hasn't been the most influential player of the squad, he always comes back on defense to help out Sisi. He's also grew in overall pretty well which is a plus. I don't plan on replacing him just yet.
RS - Federico Palacios (Spain) (68 OVR 22yrs) (+3): 8/10
38 Appearances - 12 Goals & 12 Assists
He scored 4 goals less than last season, but he proved to be a great second striker with 12 assists this year. He's pretty limited because of his low height and strength, however his finishing has been improving which allows him to be a lot more dangerous when running in from behind. He will continue to play the same role next season.
LS - Guillermo (Spain) (78 OVR 24yrs) (+3): 9/10
36 Appearances - 21 Goals & 4 Assists
Our main striker scored 5 goals more than last year however he had 4 a assists less than last year. He still hasn't been able to break his 28 goals in one season record (Liga Adelante) but now that I've figured out how to use him better when paired with Palacios I'm positive he can break it next year. I'm expecting Spain to call him up any time soon as he is a tremendous player, very balanced with high pace and strength, and works really well alone up front so he would fit perfectly in Spain's 4-3-3.
Osasuna B-Team (4-1-4-1 Custom)
* = Youth Academy Player
** = Player Growth Status
FORMAT= Position - Name (nationality) (overall + age) (growth)

GK - Jose Antonio Rodriguez (c) (Mexico) (73 OVR 24yrs) (+2): 8/10
26 Appearances - 10 Clean Sheets
Rodriguez is usually really busy with the B-Team, but he'll save five shots before letting one in. Great goalkeeper despite his overall and this season he was promoted to captain for the B-Team. According to SoFIFA his potential is 74 which means he's almost at his peak. His performances have been really good though so I don't plan on selling him yet.
RB - Ivan (Spain) (73 OVR 23yrs) (+1): 6/10
32 Appearances
Ivan continues to be only decent, not standing out in any way during matches. He's still young, but if he doesn't pick it up next season or at least start showing improvement in stats I will look to loan him out.
RCB - Ignasi Miquel (Spain) (73 OVR 24yrs) (+3): 8/10
24 Appearances
He's had great growth since joining us and it's shown on the field. Great in the air with his 6'4" height and also good with his tackling. He'll play the same role next season but he will be a candidate for the starting centre back spot.
LCB - Pedro Bigas (Spain) (73 OVR 26yrs) (+2): 6/10
22 Appearances
He really picked it up at the end of the season, but prior to that he had been really bad. He will most likely be transfer listed in the summer.
LB - Marcos Alonso (Spain) (70 OVR 26yrs) (+1): 8/10
25 Appearances - 2 Goals & 2 Assists
Even though he's hit his potential peak, he continues to be a solid player for the B-Team. He pushes up as much as he can and is great at the back when challenged one on one. His height has also allowed him to challenge aerial balls when he has to step into the box to cover for a CB. Next season I may try playing him at LM as well since he's shown to be a great crosser.
*CDM - Paré Bulhões Vinuesa Ramos (Spain) (75 OVR 18yrs): 7/10
46 Appearances - 1 Goal & 1 Assist
**Has Potential To Be Special
He stands out on the field with his size but he is very slow which hurts his game. In a three man midfield he is really good as the defensive midfielder, however in a two man midfield such as the 4-4-2 Holding he struggles to keep up. He tends to push up in attack too much and his speed doesn't allow him to come back in time. He's been bad with the First Team, but good with the B-Team.
RM - Jose David Ramirez (Mexico) (65 OVR 21yrs) (+1): 7/10
26 Appearances - 2 Goals & 2 Assists
Really good pace for a winger and his crosses are usually good, but I still feel like he can do better. His growth has been very slow since I purchased him from Guadalajara, and I am considering loaning him out next season to see if he can grow more while on loan.
RCM - Oier (Spain) (70 OVR 31yrs) (+0): 8/10
43 Appearances - 1 Goal & 4 Assists
Our first box to box midfielder continues to be an important asset for our B-Team. He hardly has a bad match, and he was recently tried out as the attacking mind in midfield and he worked out spectacularly. Very versatile as well as he can also play fullback. I will not try selling him, but he will continue to play the same role as a crucial starter for the B-Team.
LCM - Nono (Spain) (67 OVR 24yrs) (+0): 7/10
20 Appearances - 2 Assists
He has unfortunately been a disappointment since I purchased him last season. A great passer but doesn't make much of a difference on the field. I tried him out as the attacking mind at LCM and it did not work. I eventually ended up swapping him for Oier. His game is decent but he hasn't grown a single stat point since joining us. He's still young, so I am considering a season loan for him. If after that he is still not growing, I will possibly transfer list him.
LM - Julian Luque (Spain) (70 OVR 25yrs) (+2): 7/10
22 Appearances - 4 Goals & 4 Assists
At the start of the season he was our B-Team's CAM in a 4-3-3 and that was where he thrived. Unfortunately, he was moved out to LM in order to cover for injuries, and then with the formation change he had to stay on the wing as we didn't play with a CAM anymore. His form took a drop when played out on the wing, even though that is his natural position.
ST - Ulises Davila (Mexico) (70 OVR 26yrs) (+1): 9/10
23 Appearances - 7 Goals & 1 Assist
Naturally a CAM
Davila quickly became a crucial player for our B-Team even while playing out of his natural position. He was just two goals short of becoming our top scorer for the B-Team, and he made many substitute appearances for the First Team. He will continue to be an important player for us next season and I hope he can grow enough to even become considered for the national team in the future.
Reserves
* = Youth Academy Player
** = Player Growth Status
FORMAT= Position - Name (nationality) (overall + age) (growth)
*GK - Eriq Lisch (United States) (74 OVR 17yrs): N/A
0 Appearances
**An Exciting Prospect
I wasn't able to give him any game time during the last three matches but I do want to see him in action during our preseason friendlies next season.
*CM - Luis Martinez (Spain) (72 OVR 16yrs): N/A
2 Appearances
**An Exciting Prospect
Kid looks promising. Showed some good stuff in midfield and will replace Nono with the B-Team. He is also a candidate to take Camarasa's spot if he does decide to leave the club.
CM - Miguel Olavide (Spain) (69 OVR 21yrs) (+3): 8/10
23 Appearances - 1 Goal & 2 Assists
His loan last season worked phenomenally seeing as he returned to Osasuna wanting to make a name for himself. He certainly did with great performances and I had actually promoted him to starter of the B-Team but he unfortunately picked up a two month injury in his first start. He is definitely staying for next season.
RW - David Ferreiro (Spain) (68 OVR 29yrs) (+1): 7/10
18 Appearances - 3 Goals & 4 Assists
He had finally found his form when he also picked up a two month injury. His absence brought the B-Team down which showed how important he is for them. He has already hit his peak but he will stay with the team next season and try to work his way back up to the B side.
ST - Manuel Onwu (Spain) (67 OVR 29yrs) (+1): 4/10
21 Appearances - 1 Goal
Terrible. Absolutely terrible. He is still our current top scorer for the B-Team, but this season he showed he no longer has what it takes to wear this jersey. It's not just because he only scored one goal, which was in the first Europa League match, but because even when he was on the field he did not contribute anything. He will definitely be transfer listed.
CM - Maikel Mesa (Spain) (66 OVR 26yrs) (+0): 7/10
31 Appearances - 3 Goals & 3 Assists
Played well, but I'm disappointed that he did not grow a single stat this season. If there's room, I will loan list him for one last chance. If not, he will be transfer listed.
LM - Kenan Kodro (Spain) (65 OVR 23yrs) (+1): 7/10
33 Appearances - 9 Goals & 10 Assists
He was just one goal away from meeting his goals per season record, and also one goal away from catching up to Onwu as B-Team top scorer (20 Goals). He got to nine goals really quick, but then fell off after that. He will stay with the club next season, but play the same role with the reserves.
*ST - Roussillon Murnane (Spain) (59 OVR 18yrs): N/A
1 Appearance
I wasn't able to see much of him, but he will be loaned out next season.
Pre-Contract Agreements
FORMAT= Position - Name (nationality) (overall + age) (growth)
CB - Sergi Gomez (Spain) (72 OVR 24yrs): N/A
Players Out On Loan
FORMAT= Position - Name (nationality) (overall + age) (growth)
CB - Iñigo De Frutos (Spain) (67 OVR 22yrs) (+3)
**On Loan At FC Barcelona B
Good loan spell, but he wouldn't have many minutes if I kept him with the reserves. Will most likely be loan listed again or possibly even transfer listed.
LB - Xavier Quinti (Spain) (67 OVR 20yrs) (+4)
**On Loan At Leicester City
A very productive loan for the Catalan that we signed from Barcelona B last season. Next season he will have a shot at staying with the club instead of going out for a third consecutive loan. He was initially brought in as a future first team player, and I still have hopes that he will grow into Sisi's successor at left back. It would be great to have a natural fullback in our starting eleven.
CB - Unai Garcia (Spain) (65 OVR 24yrs) (+2)
**On Loan At Leeds United
CB - David Garcia (Spain) (65 OVR 23yrs) (+3)
**On Loan At AD Alcorcón
CM - Mikel Merino (Spain) (64 OVR 20yrs) (+0)
**On Loan At CD Leganés
Merino was a great squad player for us but I loan him out because he didn't grow a single point. Now on loan, he still hasn't grown a single point. I may simply transfer list him unless I end up choosing to give him one last loan spell.
CAM - Jose Garcia (Spain) (63 OVR 20yrs) (+2)
**On Loan At Ipswich Town
Little Jose has had disappointing growth, growing only 4 in overall so far this career. I still don't forget how much heart he would play with when I had him with my B-Team, so I will continue to loan him out until he moves into the higher 60s. He was one of the main reasons why I chose Osasuna, but unfortunately his potential is only about 70.
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CA Osasuna All-Time (CM) Top Scorer
1. Guillermo - 66 Goals in 103 Appearances
2. Roberto Torres - 33 Goals in 111 Appearances
3. Federico Palacios - 29 Goals in 81 Appearances
4. Manuel Onwu - 20 Goals in 74 Appearances
5. Kenan Kodro - 19 Goals in 58 Appearances
CA Osasuna Player of The Year
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Miguel Flaño is expected to step down next season so there will be an internal battle between the new arrival Gomez and Miquel for the spot. In the meantime, I will try to scout for young CBs that can take the spot in the future. I do not plan on having a busy transfer window as far as arrivals, with the only signing I might make is one to replace Victor Camarasa. I do need a striker for the B-Team, but Davila has been great playing up front so I'd rather not move things around just yet. I've also got Santana in the academy who could be ready to be promoted if I need him. Aside from that, I think we're set and ready to go for next season.
I'm currently looking for a 4 star scout to hire, and when I do he will become my main scout. I will still have a 5 star scout employed, but he will be on standby.
That's the squad. Let me know what you think! My next post will be strictly a Mexico update as we compete in the Confederations Cup.
Thanks For Reading!
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