UK, London: Arsenal's Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin (AFP Photo / Adrian Dennis )

The Portuguese player broke the world record, as Real spent a sensational 94 million to bring him to Spain. And he was quick to prove his use for the Madrid club, scoring 7 goals in 8 league appearances.

However, at the moment the Galacticos don't look a major force in La Liga. They are trailing their arch-rivals Barcelona by two points and lost the season's first Classico thanks to the only goal by another big summer transfer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede leads Barca's attack, as they set their sights on winning the second consecutive home title. Zlatan moved to Spain from Inter Milan, while Samuel Eto'o went the opposite direction. The Cameroon striker adjusted well to the new team and formed an impressive duo with Diego Milito.

This was in summer, while the beginning of 2009 saw an end to the Arshavin saga. The Russian

Spain, Barcelona: Barcelona's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (AFP Photo / Lluis Gene)

forward eventually completed his notorious move to Arsenal. Since then, the Russian has become one of the Gunners’ leaders. Their manager, Asrene Wenger, could not help but admire Arshavin's skills.

In Russia, Rubin were the dominant force for the second season running. Their main star, Alejandro Dominguez, was voted player of the year, and it was no surprise when the Argentine moved to a more prestigious league. Dominguez signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Spanish outfit Valencia. How he will do in Spain is sure to be one of the intrigues of the next year.