5 Spanish starlets that have shone in La Liga this season

#1 Rodrigo “Rodri” Hernández (Villarreal)

The new Busquets; Rodrigo (L) has been sensational for the Yellow Submarine

Undoubtedly THE breakout star in La Liga this season, Rodri has been sensational for Villarreal and with his move to Atletico Madrid for 20m already a done deal for next season, expect to see many more of the 21-year-old at the highest level of Spanish football for the foreseeable future.

He has been the outstanding player in a youthful El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) side and under manager Javier Calleja, Rodri has blossomed into an outstanding central midfielder and is already being spoken of as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets for the national team.

Playing in a defensive midfield position, the youngster has averaged an astounding tackle rate of 2.7 per game in La Liga while also making 1.6 interceptions and 2.8 clearances.

He has been the glue that has held the midfield together as his intelligent defending coupled with his passing ability and ball shielding skills have meant that fellow Spaniards Pablo Fornals and Manu Trigueros who haveplayed alongside him at the base of the midfield is often able to drive forward to join the attack.

As the long-term replacement for Atleti captain Gabi, Rodri will be a big part of the club's regeneration moves next season and given his performances this season, expect him to be at the heart of everything good going forward.