As the season comes to a close and a play off spot guaranteed, we look ahead to next season and the pending battle for first team football for many of Espanyol’s squad. Today we focus on left back and the options the club will have following the agreement to sell current first choice left back Vinicius Abner.

D’Ambrosio – He maybe the veteran of the team and when re-signed this season, the expectation was he’d be a bit part player. However he has started 36 out of 37 league games to date as he has made the rightback slot his own. Equally comfortable at left back, its likely he will start next season as one of the favourites to secure the jersey for the opening fixture.

Boscagli- only 3 starts so far since arriving from Malaga and generally been utilsed as central defensive cover, however at just 25 is equally at home at Left back and will be looking to make that spot his own next season as the competition hots up.

Hickey – At 20 he is seen as a long term option in either fullback position. Initially signed as the long term successor to D’Ambrosio, he has yet to start a game for the first team, however next season the cups and youth cup is where he will be utilised in the first instance, whilst offering a first team option as cover at left back, should injuries and suspensions open up the opportunity. The club has knocked back 3 bids for the player, who is simply “not for sale”

Hartman – Has been one of the biggest break out players in Holland this season, and is the current league leaders Feyenoord’s first choice left back. His value is increasing and his rating is expected to do like wise. He will start next season in the wilderness un terms of first team football, however the updates may just have him knocking on the door come the end of the season.

Flach – Was part of the youth team which got to this seasons final. A decision had yet to be made if the club retain his services for next season. He has an ok rating for a young player and could easily get an update to put him in the cup picture for selection.

Diakite – another versatile player having an oustanding season in france. Although seen as someone who can develop into one of the clubs first choice centre backs, we fully expect the updates to put him in the picture for being an option at left back if the need arises.

With 6 left backs on the book, and all with a chance of impacting the first team at some point, this is a position the club feels well stacked in.