image: supersport.co.za

By signing Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson from Juventus, Real Madrid are finally making some sensible purchases in the transfer market. In recent years they've spent big on big names, usually attacking players while leaving the defence looking shaky, the midfield too full of showboats. When they did spend big on a defender they did so against all medical advice, wasting money on the permanently injured Jonathan Woodgate.

Finally, for a combined 20 million euros they have Cannavaro's leadership and solidity at the the back, and Emerson's tackling in central midfield. With these signings, and a coach with big enough balls not to be bossed around (Fabio Capello, pictured) I predict an end to Madrid's last few years of Miserable under-achievement. La Liga 2006/7 is going to be a great battle between Barcelona and Real, as it should be.