The 2019/20 season isn’t officially concluded but given its suspension because of COVID-19, its continuation – should it resume – would almost feel like a new mini-campaign to check off the remaining fixtures.
As such, it seems only fair to acknowledge the players who have performed admirably during the course of the normal campaign.
In this edition, we picked 22 of the best performing players in La Liga and, with your help, narrow it down to the best XI.
Using polls on our Instagram Stories, we pit players in each position against each other and let you decide who deserves to make the cut.
Lionel Messi naturally makes the cut, but he lines up alongside four Real Madrid players and two of their loanees in our XI.
Follow our Instagram page to get involved. Here’s what our La Liga Team of the Season looks like:
GK: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois may have the most clean sheets this season, but in maintaining his impossibly high standards and making saves he’s just not supposed to, Jan Oblak remains the top goalkeeper in La Liga. Apart from being a phenomenal shot-stopper, it’s his reliability and impeccable positioning that sets the Slovenian apart. He has 11 clean sheets to his name this term and a miraculous save at Levante in January is one of many that ensures he’s still the gold standard.
RB: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
In an attacking sense, Jesus Navas has been the most threatening full-back this season, but the consistent and balanced performances of Dani Carvajal means he’s worthy of his inclusion. His 14 blocked crosses is the most among right-backs, while he also has five assists which is second among defenders. He’s been a mainstay in a Madrid’s solid defence.
CB: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Raphael Varane
He doesn’t match his central defensive partner Sergio Ramos for defensive actions like tackles and interceptions, but Raphael Varane is arguably the biggest reason for Madrid’s defensive excellence this term. He’s complimented Ramos superbly, plugging the gaps and sweeping up the danger behind the skipper. The Frenchman’s reading of the game and composure has made all the difference.
CB: Clement Lenglet (Barcelona)
Much like Varane, Clement Lenglet has out-performed his more celebrated centre-back partner this season. Gerard Pique, while still playing at an excellent level, has not been immune to a few glaring errors this term. Lenglet on the other hand has been the more steady of the two and has influenced Barcelona’s build-up play greatly as well. He boasts the farthest ball progression per minute at 6.18 metres.
LB: Sergio Reguilon (Sevilla)
Much of Sevilla’s attacking impetus this campaign has come from the advanced full-backs and Sergio Reguilon, on loan from Madrid, has impressed down the left flank. The left-back has registered four assists and a goal during his time at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. He’s also whipped in 119 crosses this term, the third highest in the league.
CM: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Madrid have always been revered for their illustrious attacking talent, but it’s a defensive midfielder who’s arguably the first name on the team sheet for Zinedine Zidane side. Casemiro is among the finest anchormen in the game and lends Madrid a crucial balance. The likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco feature among the midfield options at Santiago Bernabeu, but the Brazilian is foremost in the pecking order. With a league-high 201 interceptions this term to go with three goals and two assists, it’s easy to see why.
CM: Santi Cazorla (Villarreal)
A marvellous comeback story gets another chapter as Santi Cazorla’s Villarreal homecoming continues to pay dividends. The former Arsenal midfielder has been in great form for the Yellow Submarine, pulling the strings in the middle of the park. The playmaker averages 2.3 key passes per game, only Messi averages more.
RW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi
Hardly his finest season in a Barcelona shirt, but he’s still the least surprising inclusion. The Catalans may not be at their best either, but he’s the reason they’ve still managed to be at the top of the table. With 19 goals and 12 assists, he’s by far the top scorer and provider in the division. He’s also first for shots, dribbles and key passes per game. He must really miss some competition [aka Cristiano Ronaldo].
CAM: Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad)
Another promising spell away for Martin Odegaard means Real Madrid should be keen to incorporate him in their first team next season, despite Real Sociedad expecting an option for a second season on loan to be exercised. With four goals and five assists in La Liga, the Norwegian has been a standout performer for La Real, putting them in contention for a Champions League spot. The young playmaker has averaged 2.3 key passes per game, which is only bettered by Messi’s 2.5. The Argentina icon is also the only player who beats him for deep completions [77] and smart passes [94].
LW: Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla)
Lucas Ocampos has played a big part in filling the void left by France striker Wissam Ben Yedder’s summer departure to Monaco – and he’s done so from the left flank. He’s taken on the mantle as top scorer for his side, netting 10 times this season and providing two assists. He also ranks third in the league for dribbles with 118.
ST: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Firmly established as the linchpin in Madrid’s attack, Karim Benzema has led from the front this season. With 14 goals and 16 assists, he’s the man that comes closest to Messi. If the Frenchman is indeed ‘Formula One’, he’s still running like a No2 driver. A ruthless streak in front of goal has not manifested in Ronaldo’s absence and he needs the likes of Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale to spend more time on the pitch to really drive Madrid forward. In terms of link-up play, he’s been superb.
