Barcelona stormed to the La Liga title with Real Madrid offering a feeble defence to their crown and Atletico Madrid momentarily posing a threat.
The Catalans are so far unbeaten in the league and, with three games left, are attempting to finish the campaign that way.
Barca have performed well as a team but en-route to claiming the title, four players in particular stood out for their contributions.
Surprisingly – given that this is Barcelona we’re talking about – no midfielder has impressed enough to make the grade.
LIONEL MESSI
No surprise here though. Lionel Messi continues to play his role as Barcelona’s talisman with aplomb. He’s not only maintained his phenomenal goal-scoring record with 34 strikes so far – putting him well on course to pick up the Pichichi award – but has also fully embraced his role as the team’s chief playmaker.
The Argentine plays off front man Luis Suarez and has the license to roam. Often, he can drop deep and pick up the ball in midfield. He’s heavily involved in the build-up play and makes Barca tick. That doesn’t reduce his impact in the final third though as his goals are complimented by 12 assists in the league as well.
On another planet: Lionel Messi.
Rating – 9/10
LUIS SUAREZ
An injury midway through the season did see him go through some patchy form but he’s come good at the business end of the campaign. Following Neymar’s departure last summer, Suarez has done well to forge a successful two-pronged attack with Messi.
The Uruguayan went through a less than clinical spell but has nevertheless hit the back of the net 24 times in the league while also providing 10 assists and always putting in a great shift.
Rating – 8/10
Perfect partner for Lionel Messi: Luis Suarez.
JORDI ALBA
After Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a record fee, Ernesto Valverde deployed a 4-4-2 formation. With the two wide midfielders tucking in to dominate in midfield, much of the width had to be provided by the full-backs.
Jordi Alba has excelled in that regard. The Spaniard is renowned for his attacking play and over the course of the league campaign, has provided eight assists, second only to Messi and Suarez among his team-mates.
Rating – 8/10
Flying left-back: Jordi Alba.
MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN
Despite the new formation offering Barcelona far more balance and stability from a defensive aspect, to go an entire season unbeaten, you need something special between the sticks and that’s exactly what Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been.
The German international has been exceptional this season and is now being considered among the best goalkeepers in the world. His form and consistency means the national team may not miss Manuel Neuer at all at this summer’s World Cup.
Rating – 8/10
Rock solid: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
