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Many great midfielders have graced La Liga in the past, and last season was no different. In what was a thrilling finale, Atletico Madrid became champions for the first time since 2013-14. Diego Simeone's side clinched the title on a dramatic final matchday. La Liga's top guns impressed yet again, with midfielders putting in outstanding performances.
From superstars to young talents, there has been no dearth of standout midfielders in the league. While many familiar faces feature on this list, one Luka Modric just misses out. Age looks to have caught up with him, having played an insane amount of games for club and country. With proper rest and a pre-season, he should be able to rekindle his form and feature amongst the best!
With that said, let's take a look at the top five midfielders in La Liga this season.
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#5 Casemiro | Real Madrid
The Brazilian international had yet another stellar season for Real Madrid last season. Casemiro has been at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield, running tirelessly and putting in the defensive work. With 2.5 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game in La Liga, it's easy to see how Casemiro played a crucial role for Madrid last term. His performances helped them become the second best defense in the league.
He also had his say on the offensive end, chipping in with six goals and four assists last season. Not bad at all for a defensive midfielder. He was excellent for club as well as country, with Brazil reaching the Copa America finals. But it's his tenacity, aggression and physicality, combined with an excellent reading of the game that makes him one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.
#4 Koke | Atletico Madrid
In a title-winning La Liga season, Koke was the heart and soul of Atletico Madrid's midfield. The Spaniard was consistent throughout the season, putting in solid shifts on a regular basis. Currently in his prime, Koke is a regular under Diego Simeone, this time captaining the side to the league title, having won it previously in 2013-14. Koke led the team from the front as captain, with Atletico Madrid pulling through on the last day of the season.
The midfielder's strengths were on full display in La Liga last season. Koke has always been a beast in the center of the park. His ability to control games by dictating the tempo of the ball is something he has been doing in La Liga season after season. The ease with which he is able to move the ball and break defensive lines is criminally underrated. Combine that with his defensive work rate, Koke is one of the most complete midfielders, who was crucial to Atleti's success this season.
#3 Pedri | FC Barcelona
Pedri has been the find of the season in La Liga. At 18, he's the youngest of all midfielders on the list alongside some world-class names. Since arriving from Las Palmas in July last year, Pedri has quickly established himself as one of the regular midfielders in Ronald Koeman's side. The rapid pace with which he has developed at such a young age is incredible to see. He's a player that ticks all the boxes of your standard Barcelona midfielders. Technically gifted, confident on the ball, and great at creating space.
He's carried his La Liga form on the international stage as well. He was one of the first names on the team sheet for Spain as they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020. Pedri was awarded as the Young Player of the tournament for his consistent display.
Currently, he's also representing his country at the Tokyo Olympics and is showcasing his talents on the world stage. He has a huge ceiling in terms of potential, and with age on his side, he will surely be competing with the world's best midfielders in the coming years.
#2 Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid
From 0 goals for Real Madrid to an insane attacking output for Atletico Madrid, Marcos Llorente has come a long way in his La Liga career. Diego Simeone was able to identify his attacking prowess and put it to good use. The first sighting of his offensive abilities was on display against Liverpool in the Champions League, when he scored twice to knock the defending champions out that season.
Since then, Llorente has been played all over the pitch by Simeone. From his obvious central midfield position to a right back, right winger, and even as a striker! It's not very common for midfielders. But surprisingly enough, he excelled in any position that he played in. That is a major reason why he racked up 12 goals and 11 assists for the La Liga champions in their run to the title. With his versatility, he definitely played a crucial role in his team's success in La Liga last term.
#1 Toni Kross | Real Madrid
Toni Kroos is one of the best midfielders of his generation, and the last La Liga season further laid claim to that. The ease and grace with which he controls games almost feels like he has the ball on a string. He plays a brand of simple, error-free and effective brand of football at his own pace that none of the other midfielders in the world could replicate. He has gone on to form a midfield trio with Modric and Casmerio running the midfield engine in La Liga and the Champions League.
Kroos is a cool customer in the middle of the park, controlling games with his hold-up play and incredible passing range. Offensively, he contributed significantly to Madrid's tally, with three goals and 11 assists in La Liga last term. But apart from the numbers, what makes him one of the top midfielders on this list is surprising consistency over a long period of time. Currently 31, Kroos has a few more years to give at the top and continues to stake his claim as one of the best midfielders.
