LaLiga's Romanian romance on show at Euro 2016

Whether it is due to their style of play, their character, their goals or other factors, what is clear is that Romanian footballers tend to be hits in LaLiga. The latest examples are Razvan Rat and Florin Andone, whose performances in the Liga BBVA and Liga Adelante respectively earned them a place at Euro 2016. The pair have followed in the illustrious footsteps of the likes of Gica Craioveanu, Cosmin Contra, Gheorghe Hagi and Adrian Ilie, who all enjoyed success on our shores.

Many Romanians have made their mark in LaLiga and then some, variously breaking the 100-appearance barrier and racking up dozens of goals. Three stars in particular built this footballing bridge between Spain and Romania between the 1990s and the early 21st century: Craioveanu, Contra and Constantin Galca. The first of them, Craioveanu, continues to hold the record for having featured in more LaLiga matches than any of his compatriots. The forward turned out a total of 330 times in the league during stints at Real Sociedad, Villarreal CF and Getafe CF, scoring 70 goals – also the highest ever tally by a Romanian in LaLiga history.

Romania's imprint on LaLiga is not only found on the pitch, but also in the dugout. Contra and Galca are two prominent cases in point. The latter guided RCD Espanyol to safety this past season, in his first LaLiga managerial job. Contra, on the other hand, will be in charge of AD Alcorcon next term and has previously coached Getafe CF and CF Fuenlabrada.

Meanwhile, Rat and Andone are flying the flag for both Romania and LaLiga at Euro 2016. The left-back's solidity and the striker's intelligence have both been in evidence at the tournament so far and the pair will be raring to continue to display these qualities against Albania, with the Romanians bidding to book a ticket to the round of 16.