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It is no secret that the quality of La Liga has dropped considerably. The departure of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane has not helped the league's cause.
However, the league continues to boast some of the best players in the world. That includes incredible creative talents, players capable of creating something out of nothing. These magicians are essential to their respective teams.
On that note, here's a look at the five best playmakers in La Liga at the moment:
#5 Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
Barcelona did well to acquire Memphis Depay on a free transfer this summer after his contract with Lyon expired.
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Regarded as one of the best young players in the world during his PSV Eindhoven days, Depay had a rather forgettable stint at Manchester United. However, the Netherlands international resurrected his career in France, becoming a world-class forward during his time with Lyon.
A prolific goalscorer, an excellent dribbler and a good creator, Depay is a complete and versatile forward. The 27-year-old has made nine La Liga appearances for Barcelona so far, scoring four goals and providing two assists. In a dysfunctional Blaugrana team, Depay has been one of their better players thus far.
#4 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Luka Modric is still going strong, and continues to be one of the best midfielders in the Spanish top flight.
Modric's career has been extensively covered. One of the best midfielders of the modern generation, the 36-year-old has enjoyed a storied career at the very top. An elegant, technically gifted midfielder, Modric has been one of Real Madrid's key players for quite some time now.
He continues to be a regular presence in midfield for both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. Regarded by many as the greatest Croatian to have played the game, Modric has made six La Liga appearances this season.
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#3 Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
One of La Liga's big arrivals this summer, Rodrigo De Paul arrived at Atletico Madrid from Udinese for £31.5 million.
De Paul grabbed eyeballs with his fabulous performances in midfield this summer for Argentina at the Copa America. Linked with Leeds United and Inter Milan previously, the midfielder is a highly creative player who does not shy away from doing his defensive duties.
The 27-year-old is entering the peak of his career, so Atletico Madrid should benefit hugely from his performances in midfield. De Paul has made eight appearances in La Liga this season, providing one assist. Much more is expected from the former Valencia man.
#2 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Karim Benzema is among the favourites to lift the Ballon d'Or award this time, and few can argue against that.
Benzema is a sensational player, and is one of the best in the world. A complete striker, the France international is capable of scoring and creating. He has been producing world-class numbers for some time now. A selfless striker, Benzema has emerged as Real Madrid's star following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 33-year-old has made nine La Liga appearances this season, and has scored as many goals and provided seven assists. Benzema also won the UEFA Nations League with France this year, and deserves to get his hands on the Ballon d'Or award at least once.
#1 Nabil Fekir (Real Betis)
Premier League fans will remember Nabil Fekir as the player who nearly joined Liverpool a few years ago. The transfer is still talked about, and many continue to hypothesise about what could have been.
Fekir subsequently moved to Real Betis from Lyon in 2019 for nearly £18 million, and has been in good form for the La Liga side. The France international has made ten appearances in La Liga this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Fekir is renowned for his creativity. A versatile forward, the 28-year old could still move to a Champions League team in the future, given his current performances. Fekir's fitness has been an issue, but the forward has seemingly shaked his injury woes off, and has been a consistent feature for Real Betis.
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