Malaga are set to include a host of exciting new names in their touring squad for games against Adelaide United and Perth Glory, including on loan Luis Alberto from Liverpool and Portugal’s rising star Ricardo Horta.
Los Boquerones arrive in the South Australian capital next week ahead of their clash with the Reds at Adelaide Oval in the LFP Challenge match on July 25.
The Spanish club then head west to face Perth Glory two days later as they continue preparations for the new La Liga season under newly installed coach Javi Gracia.
In Malaga’s ranks will be Luis Alberto, the 21-year-old who is on a season-long loan switch to Malaga.
He arrived at Liverpool from Sevilla last season making 12 first-team appearances for the Reds including nine in the Premier League.
It’s not just Alberto who’s been unveiled at La Rosaleda in recent days. Ricardo Horta was presented this week.
Horta was regarded as one of the most promising players in Portugal last season, playing 34 games and scoring 7 goals in all competitions with Vitória Setúbal.
The 19-year-old has also been a regular for the Portuguese U19, U20 and U21 sides, following a trajectory which many believe, will soon earn him a call to the full national side, if he can continue his excellent progress in La Liga.
Also in the touring squad is former EPL and Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz, who played for Blackburn Rovers alongside Aussie Brett Emerton and at Manchester City.
“There is no doubt that this match against Málaga CF will be a great test for our new squad,” Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe said.
“It’s still very early on in our pre-season but to get the opportunity to test ourselves against such a strong and quality La Liga side, will be a great experience not only for the players but importantly for all the fans and members.”
“I know many Glory fans will be keen to catch a glimpse of former English Premier League star Roque Santa Cruz and no doubt young Liverpool winger, Luis Alberto, however Málaga have got a really strong side and as our first really competitive game it would be great to see the fans out giving us their support,” Lowe added.
Other new names at La Rosaleda include Roberto Rosales who with 50 caps for Venezuela joins after playing for clubs in Belgium and Holland and competing in both the Europa league and the UEFA Champions League.
Ivory Coast-born Arthur Boka, who has been involved in the last two World Cup tournaments with his country and has also won a German Championship with VfB Stuttgart.
Malaga face Adelaide United on Friday night July 25 and Perth Glory two days later.
For Perth Glory v Malaga tickets head here http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Perth-Glory-tickets/artist/1055564
For Adelaide United v Malaga tickets head here http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=AUFCMAL14&v=ADO
