The reported €39m that Real Madrid are reported to be paying Real Sociedad for Spain Under-21 international Asier Illarramendi is a huge amount to spend on anyone, let alone a player who has never played a full international and has never scored for Sociedad's senior team or Spain's underage teams.
This video from ScoutNation showcases some of his passing and skills from the past season, demonstrating why Real Madrid were prepared to meet his buy-out clause and sign him as a long term successor to Xabi Alonso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbtv1k9jh8I
Obviously YouTube highlights can make anyone look good, but what can we learn?
1. Sure to be a commentator's nightmare (we can't wait to hear Ronnie Whelan have a go at it), his name is too long for his shirt.
2. His lack of goals isn't for want of shooting - a new Anderson perhaps?
3. Range of passing - he may be a defensive midfielder but there is no chance he would get into a Trapattoni team.
