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LaLiga is back!
After a short but somehow long winter break, Spain's premier competition will commence again this weekend. Each side has played 17 games thus far, and the next 21 rounds of fixtures promise to enthral us.
Barcelona leads the pack currently with 37 points, but Atletico Madrid is trailing them by just three points in second. Sevilla is two points further behind in third, and Real Madrid completes the top four with 30 points.
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has affected Los Blancos heavily, and the other stars have failed to step up. Barcelona, meanwhile, look on course to defend their title, and Ernesto Valverde will look forward to more of the same. In the absence of Real, other teams have stepped up.
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The likes of Sevilla, Alaves, and Real Betis have impressed. The picture in the top half of the table is quite tight, and the battle for the top four is sure to be an interesting one.
Individually speaking, stalwarts like Lionel Messi, Daniel Parejo, and Antoine Griezmann have impressed, and so have some new faces like Pablo Sarabia and Brais Mendez. Let's take a look at the individual performers in more detail.
Here is the best LaLiga eleven of this season so far, solely based on the 2018/19 campaign.
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Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Do you want a safe pair of hands? Call Jan Oblak.
The Slovenian international has taken his game to next level over the past year. He has been a major part of Atletico's water-tight defence, as they are mounting yet another title challenge.
Atletico have conceded just 12 goals in 17 games, which gives them the league's best defensive record. Oblak's save percentage is 75.5%, which is hugely impressive. He makes 2.4 saves per game, and he has improved Atleti's xG against by 4.97 goals.
Accurate positioning, great reflexes, anticipation, command over the penalty area- Oblak has it all. He has married the staunch backline in front of him to produce an incredible defence.
Defenders
Left-back: Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Does he ever have a bad game? Alba's unerring consistency has been a feature of his game, and it has not wavered this season. He patrols the left flank like none other, marshalling both ends effectively.
He averages 1.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per games, along with 1.4 key passes. The width he provides is priceless to Barcelona, especially after Neymar's departure. Alba's chemistry with Messi is a treat to watch, and it gives a steady supply of goals for Barcelona.
Centre-back: Marc Bartra (Real Betis)
Bartra became infamous for that Gareth Bale run past him in the Copa Del Rey final, but he has put away those demons this season. His arrival at the club has helped Betis immensely, and they are in 6th place as of now.
The Spaniard has averaged 2.5 tackles and 4.2 clearances per game this season. His passing accuracy of 89.4% fits in with coach Quique Setien's philosophy. Bartra's time at Barcelona was not outstanding, and he is redeeming himself in his second spell in Spain.
Centre-back: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Like a good wine, Diego Godin seems to get better with age. Now 32, he is still an influential part of Diego Simeone's setup. The Uruguayan has not let his age affect him on the pitch, and his experience has enabled him to do so.
He has made 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, to go with 3.1 clearances. Godin has been dribbled past only 0.4 times a game, which is a measly number. If Atleti really want to go after the title, Godin will be a crucial part of the jigsaw.
Right-back: Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid as a whole have slipped this season, and they are currently seven points off the pace in the league. A number of their star performers' standards have waned, but Dani Carvajal has evaded that curse.
He has been solid as ever at right-back, keeping Alvaro Odriozola firmly in the role of backup. Carvajal averages 1.5 tackles and 1 interception per game, along with maintaining a passing accuracy of 89.6%. Spain and Real Madrid have both benefited from his solidity this season.
Midfielders
Ever Banega (Sevilla)
Sevilla have mounted legitimate title hopes this season, and Ever Banega has been a star performer for them. The midfielder sets the tempo for his side, and he has been a crucial player for coach Pablo Machin.
He has 3 goals and 2 assists already, but that's not his primary job in the team. Banega provides composure and dictates play from midfield. His chemistry with Pablo Sarabia has developed this season and the duo has been a treat to watch.
Rodri (Atletico Madrid)
Arguably the signing of the season, Rodri has been a revelation at Atletico Madrid this season. Diego Simeone brought back the youngster to his boyhood club from Villareal in the summer, and he has made an instant impact.
He plays as the deepest midfielder and has fit into the system really well. Rodri's composure on the ball and hard tackling has helped his side a lot. Still just 22, he looks set to have a bright future at the club.
Pablo Sarabia (Sevilla)
Sarabia has arguably been his side's best player in their unlikely title bid. Sevilla currently sit just five points behind leaders Barcelona, and their Spanish playmaker has been one of the main reasons why.
He has scored 6 goals and set up a further 6 this season, which gives him the highest goal contribution for his side. Often deployed in an advanced midfield role, he has made a telling difference in numerous games to clinch the points. His release clause of €18 million is tempting, and numerous European clubs are naturally on the watch.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Surprise surprise, he's at it again. Lionel Messi is once again the best player in the league, and his excellence has carried Barcelona to the top. The Argentine has recorded 15 goals and 10 assists so far, which is the best in both categories. This is despite missing a couple of games due to an arm injury.
Messi has been the major attacking inspiration for Barca. He also leads LaLiga in chances created, shots taken, and dribbles attempted. The major contribution towards his side's league-high 48 goals scored has been Messi's. Now in the twilight of his career, he still doesn't cease to amaze.
Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
He's ageing as time passes and he's not the player he used to be but he's still pretty good. Luis Suarez has played the perfect second fiddle to Messi, and he has been in the goals as usual. The Uruguayan has scored 11 goals this season, to go along with 4 assists as well.
Suarez was brilliant in Messi's absence, and his performance against Real Madrid was undeniably the highlight of his season thus far. Naturally, his pace has waned along with his age, but the goalscoring instincts are still there. To go along with that, his determination and spirit are highly valuable for Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde.
Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
Aspas has been consistently at the top in recent years, and this season has been no different. Celta's season as a team has been average, but their talismanic striker has been great for them. The Spaniard has scored 10 goals thus far, a tally which is bettered by only three players.
He has formed a formidable partnership with Maxi Gomez up front, who has scored 8 goals himself. Aside from the goals, Aspas' creativity and link-up play have been great as well. He averages 2.1 key passes per game, which are bettered by only two forwards.
