Nacho Monreal reflects on challenges of switching leagues
Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has discussed the challenges of transitioning between leagues 13 years after his move to the Emirates, reports BritPanorama.
The conversation coincides with the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening, which saw £400 million spent across the Premier League.
Among the significant transfers were Crystal Palace’s reported £48 million signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves and Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City from Bournemouth for £62.5 million. Monreal himself joined Arsenal on the last day of the January transfer window in 2013.
Signed from Málaga for an undisclosed fee, estimated at around £8.5 million, Monreal made his Premier League debut just two days later, on February 2, 2013, in a 1-0 victory against Stoke City. Under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal secured Monreal following a long-term injury to first-choice left-back Kieran Gibbs.
Despite acknowledging the difficulties of adapting to a new league, Monreal enjoyed a successful tenure at Arsenal, winning three FA Cups (2014, 2015, 2017) and three Community Shields. He made 251 appearances for the club, contributing 10 goals.
On the variances between the Premier League and La Liga, Monreal stated, “The biggest difference between the Premier League and La Liga is that the Premier League is much more physical than La Liga. In my opinion, both leagues are the best leagues in the world but I think playing in the Premier League is more difficult than playing in La Liga.” He elaborated on the physical demands, emphasizing, “You need to be stronger, there are more contacts. It’s much more difficult. You need to be physically stronger…It’s not easy.”
Monreal further commented on the challenges faced by Spanish players transitioning to the Premier League: “I’ve seen many, many Spanish players coming from La Liga to the Premier League, and they didn’t succeed. They had to come back. So you need to adapt quickly. It’s not easy.” He noted his own struggle to adapt took a few months, but once he did, he felt he became a better player.
This season saw several notable players making the switch from La Liga to the Premier League, including Conor Gallagher’s winter return to Tottenham Hotspur from Atlético Madrid and Liverpool’s acquisition of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29 million. Other moves included Wolves signing young talent Fer López from Celta Vigo for approximately £19 million, Southampton acquiring Canadian striker Cyle Larin on loan from Mallorca, and Nottingham Forest completing a free transfer for Antonito Cordero from Málaga. Additionally, Reinildo Mandava moved from Atlético Madrid to Sunderland.
Monreal’s reflections serve as a reminder that transitions between leagues can pose significant challenges, yet they can also lead to impactful careers and achievements in the sport.
