La Liga Team of the Season: Barcelona Stars Shine Amidst Midtable Surprises

After a season marked by remarkable parity across the mid-table, here’s a look at the standout players of La Liga, categorized by position. Each position features a top performer and two notable mentions.

Goalkeeper – Joan Garcia – Barcelona

Joan Garcia has earned his first Zamora Trophy, solidifying his position as one of La Liga’s elite goalkeepers. His exceptional shot-stopping abilities, including preventing 11 expected goals, were crucial for Barcelona, especially during periods when he was sidelined due to injury. His saves are often spectacular and vital to his team’s success.

Second Place: Aaron Escandell – A key figure in Real Oviedo’s survival, his form was instrumental throughout the season.

Third Place: Mat Ryan – Despite attention often being on others, Ryan made critical saves that were essential in keeping Levante in the division.

Right-back – Marcos Llorente – Atletico Madrid

Marcos Llorente is a deserving inclusion in the team of the season. His relentless energy, speed, and tactical intelligence make him a constant threat and a defensive stalwart for Atletico Madrid. He consistently provides what his team needs, making him a difficult opponent to contain.

Second Place: Andrei Ratiu – Possessing the skills of a winger in a right-back’s body, he had an excellent season with Rayo Vallecano.

Third Place: Santiago Mourino – Converted from center-back, he proved to be a rock-solid presence at right-back for Villarreal.

Centre-back – Marc Pubill – Atletico Madrid

Marc Pubill’s performances at centre-back were vital to Atletico Madrid’s strong showings, particularly in crucial knockout matches. He demonstrated that he not only belongs at the top level but can excel there.

Second Place: Pau Cubarsi – After a slower start, he finished the season strongly, exhibiting a quiet yet effective presence.

Third Place: David Affengruber – A revelation this season, his composure on the ball and defensive heroics were indispensable for Elche’s survival.

Centre-back – Florian Lejeune – Rayo Vallecano

The veteran centre-back enjoyed a sensational season, playing a pivotal role in Rayo Vallecano’s push for European qualification and their first major final. His masterful use of his body and clean tackling were key to his success.

Second Place: Eric Garcia – His versatility and consistently excellent performances, especially in the first half of the season, made him one of Barcelona’s standout players.

Third Place: Zaid Romero – Despite only being present for half the season, he was a significant reason for Getafe’s strong defensive record.

Left-back – Carlos Romero – Espanyol

Carlos Romero was the standout left-back in Spain. His offensive contributions, including six assists and three goals, were complemented by significant defensive improvements, making him a well-rounded threat.

Second Place: German Valera – While more of an attacking wing-back, his tireless running was a constant example for his team, driving many of their best counter-attacks.

Third Place: Yuri Berchiche – Despite a challenging season for Athletic Club, he remained a consistent and vital presence, also contributing seven assists.

Central Midfielder – Pedri Gonzalez – Barcelona

Pedri Gonzalez was the orchestrator of Barcelona’s play, dictating the rhythm of their football. His ability to create space and angles for his teammates is unparalleled, and his absence was keenly felt in the games Barcelona lost.

Second Place: Arda Guler – Despite limited starts and missing the end of the season, his impressive goal and assist tally made him one of the league’s bright sparks.

Third Place: Pape Gueye – A player embodying grace and strength, he is difficult to dispossess and a joy to watch.

Central Midfielder – Luis Milla – Getafe

Luis Milla was instrumental in Getafe’s surprising qualification for Europe. His 10 assists, achieved in a low-scoring team, and his crucial winning goal highlight his immense contribution, both statistically and in terms of decision-making and positioning.

Second Place: Koke Resurreccion – Defying expectations, he was Atletico Madrid’s best midfielder, demonstrating his enduring quality.

Third Place: Aurelien Tchouameni – He was a stabilizing force in Real Madrid’s midfield during challenging periods.

Central Midfielder – Fermin Lopez – Barcelona

Fermin Lopez proved to be a vital player for Barcelona during a season plagued by injuries. Despite often playing out of position, he delivered an impressive haul of goals and assists, providing crucial bite and defensive work.

Second Place: Pablo Fornals – He carried Real Betis through the first half of the season, taking on significant defensive responsibilities.

Third Place: Aleix Febas – The mastermind behind Elche’s positive season, he drew the attention of other teams and even former club Real Madrid fans.

Forward – Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

Lamine Yamal had a remarkable season, silencing any doubts about his capabilities. His 42 goal contributions in 45 appearances mark him as Barcelona’s primary solution provider and a burgeoning leader, setting the stage for future success.

Second Place: Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid’s most talented player is departing, leaving a void in intelligence and skill that will be hard to fill.

Third Place: Williot Swedberg – After a period of adaptation, he truly came into his own, showcasing 10 goals and seven assists.

Forward – Vedat Muriqi – RCD Mallorca

Vedat Muriqi fought valiantly to keep Mallorca in La Liga, scoring 23 goals, which accounted for over half of the team’s total. Despite falling just short, his performance was a personal triumph.

Second Place: Carlos Espi – His lethal finishing was central to Levante’s miraculous comeback, directly leading to 11 crucial points.

Third Place: Toni Martinez – A decisive force in the second half of the season, his 14 goals were vital in Alaves securing their top-flight status.

Forward – Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe sustained Real Madrid in the first half of the season, scoring over half of their goals. He finished the season as the Pichichi award winner with 25 La Liga goals, amassing 42 goals and seven assists overall.

Second Place: Vinicius Junior – He finished the season strongly, re-discovering his devastating form in stages.

Third Place: Ez Abde – He stepped up to become Real Betis’s main attacking threat, carrying the team through many games.

Manager of the Year – Inigo Perez – Rayo Vallecano

Inigo Perez has achieved historic success with Rayo Vallecano, leading them to their first top-level final and a strong European qualification. His exceptional human and personal skills have made him a beloved figure, and his team’s spirited performances have cemented his legacy.

Second Place: Jose Bordalas – He achieved remarkable results with a limited squad, leading Getafe to a strong defensive record and European qualification.

Third Place: Luis Castro – He orchestrated a miraculous escape from relegation for Levante, demonstrating immense steely resolve.