LaLiga 2017/2018 Team of the Week: Marco Asensio, Andres Guardado and Juanmi prove key in big results

Forwards - Juanmi (Real Sociedad), Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Lionel Messi scored a brace on Saturday

A super sub turned into a potential long-term starter on Friday evening, as Juanmi helped Real Sociedad to dismantle a rather sorry looking Villarreal at Anoeta. Ruben Semedo and Alfred N'Diaye had been thrown together at centre back at short notice for the visitors, and the ex-Southampton forward's movement made their evening a nightmare.

Whether it was his neat control, pace to get in behind or intelligence, Juanmi was always looking like a threat in a La Real side that loved to retain possession. Just before the half-time break, the Spaniard streaked through on goal to scoop a delicate finish over Andres Fernandez and into the back of the net to make it 3-0.

He wasn't at his best, but he made the difference for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi scored a brace on Saturday, after being frustrated by the woodwork on three occasions against Real Betis. It was the case against Deportivo Alaves, too, as the frame of the goal stood firm two further times.

Fernando Pacheco saved a penalty from the Argentine in the first half, but Messi stayed composed and capitalised on two defensive errors from the home side to put Barca 2-0 ahead. Luis Zubeldia's men defended well, but Ernesto Valverde's team celebrated a much-needed three points down to some neat finishes from the 30 year old.

Marco Asensio just continues to do it on the big stage. But for a brace from the youngster, Valencia would have been leaving the Bernabeu with more than just a point, but two neat finishes put paid to that. He made his first goal look easy, coaxing a curling finish into the bottom-left corner from outside the box, before firing home a free-kick effort to restore parity at 2-2 on 83 minutes.

For a player so young, Asensio is the full package. He showcased his speed, precision on the ball, trickery and maturity on Sunday, all when Real Madrid needed a hero. When the clock ticked into the last 10 minutes, it was he who was entrusted with the vital free-kick attempt - and he proved all those who have faith in him absolutely right. The 21-year-old may well have made himself undroppable for now.