LaLiga: Seven disappointments in 2018/19 - Bale, Coutinho, Costa...
AS takes a look at seven players who, for a whole host of reasons, have not lived up to expectations in this season's LaLiga Santander.
Stunning outfits catch the eye on SI red carpet
José Arnáiz
Leganés' most expensive ever signing, Arnáiz was expected to be Los Pepineros' star man but has instead spent much of the season on the treatment table.
Foto: JUAN AGUADO / DIARIO AS
José Arnáiz
Leganés' most expensive ever signing, Arnáiz was expected to be Los Pepineros' star man but has instead spent much of the season on the treatment table.
Foto: JUAN AGUADO / DIARIO AS
Gareth Bale
In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid, the Welshman was tipped to come to the fore - but, once again, has failed to live up to expectations.
Foto: ANDREW BOYERS / REUTERS
Gareth Bale
In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid, the Welshman was tipped to come to the fore - but, once again, has failed to live up to expectations.
Foto: ALBERTO IRANZO / DIARIO AS
Philippe Coutinho
Having started the season in the Barcelona side, Coutinho lost his place after his injury away to Inter, and has slipped to the fringes - so much so that he got just eight minutes in the weekend win over Getafe.
Foto: BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP
Philippe Coutinho
Having started the season in the Barcelona side, Coutinho lost his place after his injury away to Inter, and has slipped to the fringes - so much so that he got just eight minutes in the weekend win over Getafe.
Foto: ALBERTO IRANZO / DIARIO AS
Diego Costa
The Spain international has managed just one goal in LaLiga this season, and is now not expected back until February after going under the knife in December.
Foto: JAVIER SORIANO / AFP
Diego Costa
The Spain international has managed just one goal in LaLiga this season, and is now not expected back until February after going under the knife in December.
Foto: PEPE ANDRES / DIARIO AS
Gonçalo Guedes
Fitness issues have prevented Guedes from replicating the form he showed last season, finally leading him to have groin surgery in Oporto in December - an operation that will sideline him for six to eight weeks, it has been confirmed.
Foto: David Gonzalez / DIARIO AS
Gonçalo Guedes
Fitness issues have prevented Guedes from replicating the form he showed last season, finally leading him to have groin surgery in Oporto in December - an operation that will sideline him for six to eight weeks, it has been confirmed.
Foto: David Gonzalez / DIARIO AS
Thomas Lemar
Atlético Madrid's record signing has failed to convince. He looks unable to deal with the weight of expectation on him at the Wanda Metropolitano, and is yet to fully adapt to the physical demands of playing for a Diego Simeone side.
Foto: PEPE ANDRES / DIARIO AS
Thomas Lemar
Atlético Madrid's record signing has failed to convince. He looks unable to deal with the weight of expectation on him at the Wanda Metropolitano, and is yet to fully adapt to the physical demands of playing for a Diego Simeone side.
Foto: JESUS RUBIO / DIARIO AS
Luis Muriel
Having struggled to win over Pablo Machín, Muriel has joined Fiorentina on loan in search of regular football. Signed in summer 2017, the Colombian has hit 13 goals in 65 appearances for Sevilla - a return that isn't good enough for a player who fetched a
Foto: GORKA LEIZA / DIARIO AS
Luis Muriel
Having struggled to win over Pablo Machín, Muriel has joined Fiorentina on loan in search of regular football. Signed in summer 2017, the Colombian has hit 13 goals in 65 appearances for Sevilla - a return that isn't good enough for a player who fetched a
Foto: CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP
