Top 5 Signings of LaLiga this season

Modified Dec 25, 2018 18:06 GMT

Winter is here. Nearly halfway through the season, Spain's top sides won't be seeing any action till January 4. The 2018/19 La Liga campaign has thrown several twists and turns in the title race. FC Barcelona go into the break leading the table with 37 points in 17 games, three points above second-placed Atletico Madrid.

La Liga has been full of surprises so far. Barcelona and Atletico began the season slowly while Real Madrid are getting used to life post-Ronaldo and the smaller sides haven't held back.

Spanish clubs have spent 800 million euros on new signings this summer and several new signings have made an impact so far but here is a list of five players who have stood out halfway through the campaign.

#5 Andre Silva (Sevilla)

After a struggle in Milan, Silva seems to have found his goalscoring touch in Spain. After a blistering start to his Sevilla career, the goals have slowed down a bit. But the Portuguese seems to have formed an interesting partnership with Ben Yedder up front.

Third, in the table behind Barcelona and Atletico and through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, Andre Silva will be instrumental to Sevilla's form and success in the next few months. It looks highly likely that Los Rojiblancos will take up their option to sign 22-year-old for 35m euros at the end of the season.

#4 Rodri Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)

In Spain, he is already regarded as the next Sergio Busquets. Left as an academy reject, Rodri has returned to the capital as one of the most promising midfielders in Spain. Taking over club legend Gabi, Rodri is regarded as the man who will carry on his legacy. There has been a change of style in Atletico whenever the Spaniard plays. He loves the ball at his feet, positional game and neat one-touch football.

Signed for 20m euros ( with an additional 5m euros in possible add-ons), Rodri is an absolute bargain in the current market. At 22 years, he still has a lot of years ahead of him and may go on to be a bigger legend than his predecessor.

#3 Giovani Lo Celso

From Rosario and a dangerous left foot, Lo Celso has been one of the best signings of the season. On loan from Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season with an option to buy for 25m euros, which is obligatory if Betis qualify for Europe.

Eight goals in 20 appearances so far, Lo Celso is the top scorer for the Andalusian club. He has formed a lethal partnership with another summer signing William Carvalho at the center of the park and has already become a fan favorite.

#2 Arthur Melo

FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur - UEFA Champions League Group B

Just what the Barcelona doctor ordered. Barcelona have been looking for a midfielder like Arthur ever since Xavi left the club in 2015. Everyone expected Arthur to adapt slowly after his move from Brazil but the young Brazilian has surprised everyone.

The pressure has been huge on Arthur but he has not disappointed. Starting from the bench early in the season, Valverde has eased him slowly into the playing 11.

A player who protects the ball very well, passes it, uses it wisely, Arthur is a player in the same mold as Xavi. Barcelona seems to have finally found the heir to Spaniard maestro.

#1 Tomas Vaclik

With Andre Silva banging in goals up top, they have Vaclik keeping them out at the back. One of the bargains of the season at 7m euros, Vaclik is one of the main reasons for Sevilla's impressive performances this season.

Barring the four goals conceded to Barcelona at Camp Nou, Sevilla have had one of the best defenses, largely thanks to Vaclik. If Sevilla wants to keep up with Barcelona and Atletico in the title race, it will depend on the form of the former Basel goalkeeper.

After all, attack wins you games but defense wins you titles.

Edited by Abhinav Munshi