LaLiga 2018/19 Matchweek 16: Team of the Week

Competition has been a key trademark of LaLiga thus far this season, as each week seems to prove that any club can defeat any opponent. That is still the case in many ways, but there are some sides clearly separating themselves from the rest of the pack.

The week’s action began on Friday evening, as Leganés travelled to face Celta Vigo. A strong defensive showing earned a precious away point for Los Pepineros, as manager Mauricio Pellegrino’s team are unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions.

Saturday’s fixtures began with a tense battle in Madrid, as a third-minute strike from Jorge Molina was enough for Getafe to earn a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad. Atlético Madrid and manager Diego Simeone saw a two-goal lead disappear at Real Valladolid in the second half, only for the visitors to find the crucial third goal in a 3-2 victory. No points come easy in the Spanish top flight, eh?

Real Madrid would learn that lesson as well, as Los Blancos did just enough to secure a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Striker Karim Benzema scored the lone goal of the match in the 13th minute. The day concluded with a 1-1 draw between Eibar and Valencia.

Sunday began with three points for Sevilla at home, thanks to a 2-0 result versus Girona. Their rival Real Betis continued their steady climb up the table also, with a 3-1 win at struggling Espanyol. Los Verdiblancos are now fifth in the table.

Huesca showed that they are willing to fight for every inch this season, pushing Villarreal to the brink in a 2-2 draw. Huesca are still at the bottom of the division, seven points from safety. Barcelona produced a stunning performance at Levante, running out to a dominant 5-0 victory. Monday evening saw Alavés and Athletic Club play to a dull 0-0 draw.

This week will see clubs prepare for an important upcoming weekend, the last chance at points until after the league’s winter break. Real Madrid head to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup. Their match at Villarreal has been postponed until January 3.

We review and highlight LaLiga’s best players during Matchweek 16:

Goalkeeper

GK - Sergio Asenjo - Villarreal CF

Keeping a clean sheet is certainly important for a goalkeeper, but so is making crucial saves during a match. Although they didn’t get three points, Sergio Asenjo’s work was vital for Villarreal in their 2-2 draw at Huesca on Sunday.

The 29-year-old made ten saves in the game, and was a major reason why the Yellow Submarine were able to walk away with a point.

Defenders

RB - Daniel Wass - Valencia CF

Never one to be defined by a position, Daniel Wass continues to show why he is a supreme talent at right-back for Valencia.

The Danish international assisted on a goal at Eibar on Saturday, and showcased excellent skill on the ball with two successful dribbles.

CB - Gerard Piqué - FC Barcelona

Barcelona were an unstoppable force at Levante this past weekend, as Gerard Piqué was involved at both ends of the pitch.

The centre-back helped to keep the clean sheet with three tackles, and he added the team’s fifth goal of the match in the second half.

CB - Stefan Savić - Atlético Madrid

Injuries have made things difficult for Atlético in central defence, but Los Rojiblancos enjoyed superb production from Stefan Savić at Real Valladolid on Saturday.

The 27-year-old recorded an assist on the game-winner late in the match, and won six aerial duels throughout the 90 minutes.

LB - Theo Hernández - Real Sociedad

Although his side would fall 1-0 at Getafe, Real Sociedad defender Theo Hernández put in yet another promising shift.

The Frenchman’s passing was outstanding, adding five tackles during the fixture as well.

Midfielders

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos prior to Saturday's match versus Rayo Vallecano

MF - Toni Kroos - Real Madrid CF

Real Madrid may not have scored a lot of goals against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, but the midfield was superb due to Toni Kroos’ calming presence. The German international controlled the middle of the pitch, with six tackles and sharp passing (94 per cent accuracy).

In their last two league matches, Real have netted two goals. However, Kroos’ hard work has enabled both to be victories.

MF - Éver Banega - Sevilla FC

Éver Banega has been exceptional in a holding midfield role this season for Sevilla, and that was on display yet again Sunday versus Girona. The 30-year-old opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the second half.

Three successful dribbles also demonstrate his ability to get forward in the attack when necessary. Banega’s positioning and positive efforts in front of the back-line are a part of the reason why Sevilla have allowed only 16 goals through 16 league fixtures.

MF - Giovani Lo Celso - Real Betis

It is not easy to bounce back quickly from a mistake, but Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso was not about to let a missed penalty stop him on Sunday at Espanyol. After failing from the spot early in the match, the Argentine midfielder scored the equaliser just before half-time to make it 1-1 at the break. Strong character for sure.

Betis eventually won 3-1 due to two goals late in the match.

Forwards

FW - Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona

Finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting has clearly motivated Lionel Messi, and Barcelona fans get to simply sit back and enjoy his motivated brilliance. The Argentine wizard was a one-man wrecking crew on Sunday evening, tearing apart Levante with a hat-trick and two assists.

Celta Vigo visit the Camp Nou this Saturday, and will be hoping Messi shows them some type of mercy.

FW - Antoine Griezmann - Atlético Madrid

Not often needing three goals to gain three points due to their defensive strengths, Atlético required a strong performance from the front-line on Saturday. Antoine Griezmann delivered, with two goals and an assist in their 3-2 victory.

To finish a great weekend, the French striker was off to the United States the very next day to enjoy an NBA game. Sleep is overrated anyways.

FW - Cucho Hernández - SD Huesca

Huesca are battling to get out of the relegation places, and Cucho Hernández is providing a boost up front. The young striker scored a goal in the first half Sunday versus Villarreal, putting pressure on the opposition with eight total shots and three successful dribbles.

Hernández is currently on a season-long loan from Premier League side Watford.

Manager

Ernesto Valverde - FC Barcelona

Critics will be present throughout world football, and the bigger clubs always come with even bigger expectations. Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde may not be perfect, but he has his squad playing well and sitting atop LaLiga at the moment.

The 54-year-old coach was facing a tricky week, but certainly made the right choices throughout the past few days. After a 4-0 win at fellow Catalan club Espanyol, Barça hosted Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League. With first place in the group already secured, Valverde rotated the line-up effectively so that they were properly prepared for Sunday at Levante.

The result? A 5-0 thrashing thanks to yet another Lionel Messi masterclass.

Valverde has the luxury of immense quality in his team, able to utilise some of the best footballers on the planet each and every week. There is also an emphasis on producing the kind of Barcelona football that fans have come to know and love. It is a unique balance, but he is currently getting the most out his group.

The Blaugrana aim to complete 2018 with another victory, hosting Celta Vigo on Saturday before the winter break.

Edited by Arvind Sriram