La Liga ‘Team of the Year’ - with a twist

The glitz and glamour that was the Ballon d’Or ceremony has finally ended and, as is commonplace these days, it’s sparked debate amongst the football community as to how certain choices were made. With the results being published almost immediately after the awards have been given out, we can see the trend of players voting for their teammates as opposed to who they genuinely thought were the best players last year. I don’t think there’s any doubt the right man won the Ballon d’Or itself but the ‘Team of the Year’ was questionable to say the least.

This season’s ‘Team of the Year’ featured an incredible EIGHT representatives from La Liga, four from Barcelona and four from Real Madrid. And although I would have voted quite differently you can’t argue with the front three or Dani Alves. Most people’s La Liga Select XI would contain primarily Real Madrid or Barcelona players so today I’m going to name my La Liga XI without including the traditional ‘big two’, pointing out some of the star performers that often go unnoticed by the mainstream media.

Goalkeeper – Jaume Domenech (Valencia)

This season started with Keylor Navas being hailed as the saviour of Real Madrid after the club’s failed move for David De Gea seemingly spurred him into the form of his life. Yet he wouldn’t – even if I could – be classed as the best goalkeeper in the league. Jaume Domenech has been the only bright light for Valencia fans this season with some stunning saves at crucial moments and without him they’d be entrenched in the relegation battle right now. He’s made 56 saves this season, keeping 5 clean sheets and averaging 3.29 saves per goal.

Right Back – Roberto Rosales (Malaga)

Now this might surprise a lot of people but I’ve been very impressed with Roberto Rosales when I’ve had the chance to see him play this season. He’s played a key part in Malaga having the joint-second best defensive record in La Liga [only 15 goals conceded]. Rosales leads the way in successful tackles [71] as well as in crosses blocked [19] and while he might not be the strongest aerially, he’s proven to be one of the toughest full-backs to beat so far this season.

Centre Back – Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)

In my opinion Diego Godin deserved to be in the ‘Team of the Year’ but he’s criminally overlooked for these type of awards due to the fact he doesn’t play for Real Madrid or Barcelona and isn’t keen on the celebrity lifestyle. He simply turns up, does his job and goes home. No frills, just pure class. He leads the way with tackles and interceptions this season – a real rock in Atletico’s near-perfect defence once again.

Centre Back – Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)

It’s hard to argue with Godin’s defensive partner, Jose Gimenez, being named alongside him in this team. There were some strong contenders who came close but the Uruguayan international about edges it. It’s easy to forget that Gimenez is just about to turn 21-years-old as he acts and performs like a veteran, throwing himself in the way of every shot or cross and having a sixth sense of knowing where the danger lies.

Left Back – Fernando Navarro (Deportivo)

Speaking of veterans one of the unsung heroes of the season has to be Fernando Navarro. The experienced full-back arrived on a free transfer from Sevilla when the club decided, after seven seasons, that he wouldn’t feature. Deportivo quickly snapped him up and he’s been the real driving force behind the side’s strong defensive record, leading the charts in tackles, interceptions and blocks in his position.

Right Midfield– Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club)

It was no surprise to see Athletic Club’s renaissance come at the same time as Iñaki Williams returned to the side. The young Spaniard was always talked about as having a lot of potential but this season has seen him begin to fulfil that early promise. He’s got six goals to his name in his eleven appearances so far, also chalking up an assist too.

Centre Midfield – Bruno Soriano (Villarreal)

The first slot in the centre of midfield has to go to Villarreal’s Bruno Soriano. If you ask any regular La Liga watchers who they feel is the most underrated player or who should’ve played more for their country, Bruno will top a lot of lists. He’s a key member of the team and has stepped up since Marcos Senna left the club. Villarreal have lost just once in the league this season when Bruno has played, winning 10 and drawing the other 3.

Centre Midfield – Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo, now at Atletico Madrid)

It’s been a first half of the season to remember – if that’s even a thing – for Celta Vigo fans. They’re dreaming of getting that last Champions League place thanks to some incredible performances, none more so than the 4-1 victory at home to Barcelona. Augusto Fernandez might have left the club to join Atletico Madrid but his displays in the Celta shirt earned him that opportunity. With 68 tackles to his name and a starring role ahead of the defence, blocking crosses and passes, he will be a hard man for Celta to replace.

Left Midfield – Nolito (Celta Vigo)

The other star of the show up at Celta’s Balaidos stadium is none other than Nolito. His notoriety has risen considerably in the past 12 months and has finally managed to break into Vicente del Bosque’s Spain squad. He’s scored eight goals, made five assists and is only second to Neymar in successful dribbles (36). Speculation continues to follow him but it appears unlikely Nolito will move in January.

Striker – Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Club)

The most in-form Spanish striker of the season has got to be Athletic Club’s Aritz Aduriz. Like a fine wine, Aduriz only appears to get better with age and he’s scored a remarkable 22 goals already this season. The 34-year-old is just four goals away from matching his total of last season. He’s much more than just a big strong frontman as he often unselfishly drags defenders away to help out his teammates, plus has a very respectable seven assists.

Striker – Lucas Perez (Deportivo)

If Aduriz is the most in-form striker than Lucas Perez has to be the best signing of the summer without a doubt. He had impressed on a loan spell with Deportivo last season and finally joined the club for a reported €1.5m. There’s no place like home for Lucas as he’s scored 12 goals in 19 matches, equalling the record of club legend Bebeto by scoring in seven consecutive league fixtures. Speculation surrounds his future but he won’t be going anywhere in January as he’s already played for two European clubs this season [he helped PAOK in their Europa League qualifier].

The Bench: Antonio Adan (Real Betis), David Simon (Las Palmas), Iñigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Dani Garcia (Eibar), Hernan Perez (Espanyol), Marco Asensio (Espanyol), and Imanol Agirretxe (Real Sociedad).

What would your La Liga XI be without the big two?