Once-Ignored Forward Becomes Star of La Liga Start
Listen to the story
A Real Madrid forward, who was once described as a "ghost player," has quickly become one of the main stars of La Liga.
Being called a ghost player usually means that a player is barely seen on the field or does not contribute much to the team.
However, this player's start to the new season has completely changed that image.
In just two matches, he has scored two goals and provided two assists.
An assist happens when a player creates a chance that directly leads to a goal by a teammate.
This impressive performance has made him a key figure for Real Madrid early in the campaign.
La Liga is Spain's top professional football division, and it features some of the best clubs and players in the world.
Real Madrid is widely considered one of the most successful and popular football clubs globally.
Fans and pundits alike have taken notice of this sudden rise in form.
The report also mentions an upcoming preview for the league's second round, which includes a match between Rayo Vallecano and Alavés.
That preview reportedly includes a predicted starting lineup for the game.
It remains to be seen whether the forward can keep up this strong form as the season continues.
If he does, he could become one of the standout players of the year in Spanish football.
For now, his transformation from an overlooked player to a leading man has surprised many observers of the league.
Vocabulary10 words
- forward
- a player whose main job is to score goals
- ghost player
- a player who is rarely noticed on the field
- assist
- a pass or action that helps a teammate score
- campaign
- a sports season, from start to end
- division
- a level or group within a sports league
- pundits
- experts who give opinions about sports
- starting lineup
- the players chosen to start a match
- performance
- how well someone plays in a game
- standout
- someone who is much better than others
- overlooked
- not given enough attention
Quiz
Answer key
1. "Ghost player" (in quotation marks as a description) 2. Two 3. Rayo Vallecano and Alavés
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A Real Madrid _____, who was once described as a 'ghost player,' has quickly become one of the main stars of La Liga.
Being called a ghost player usually means that a player is barely seen on the _____.
In just two matches, he has scored two goals and provided two _____.
An assist happens when a player creates a _____ that directly leads to a goal.
This impressive _____ has made him a key figure for Real Madrid.
La Liga is Spain's top professional football _____.
Real Madrid is widely considered one of the most successful football _____ globally.
Fans and _____ alike have taken notice of this sudden rise in form.
The preview includes a predicted _____ for the Rayo Vallecano vs Alavés match.
His transformation from an _____ player to a leading man has surprised many observers.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think a football player might be called a 'ghost player'?
- What qualities do you think make a football forward successful?
- Do you think early-season performances predict how a player will do for the rest of the year? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen a player or team completely change their form suddenly? What happened?