First things first,
Congrats to FC Barcelona for winning La Liga that too with a record point difference to the next finisher Real Madrid.
I would like to make it clear now itself that The Team below has been selected only based on the performance in Spain (European competitions excluded to put in some parity) and rarely considering statistics or table position. And the formation that has been selected is 4-4-2, which is not so amazingly the least followed variant in the Spanish region, ie 2 full backs, 2 centre backs, 2 CMs, 1 LM, 1 RM and 2 forwards. (This fomation has been considered only for comfortability to choose players from major 'positions' that are common).
And usually the routine undermining of players other than Barca and Real Madrid will not be of any worry, since the players have been selected only by their individual performances, than the team's glory. (I have also added in few stats for people who doubt or doesnt know about the players).
So don't be surprised, if you are surprised.
Goal Keeper
The top contestants for this position would be Atletico's Thibaut Courtois, Malaga's Willy Caballero and Osasuna's Andres Fernandez. The omission of Victor Valdes and Iker Casillas maynot be surprising, but Diego Lopez might have just made a mark. He has been pretty awesome in his real madrid outfit, but was not even a shadow of his current form at Sevilla, having only 2 clean sheets in his 8 apps and allowed some cheap goals that could have been saved in the process.
Courtois is the main reason for Atletico being the best team in defense in La Liga. His saves against Madrid in CDR final are noteworthy. Sameway Caballero has put up an impressive performance, especially in the Champions League, but at times had been inconsistent as well in Liga. Andres has been the main reason for Osasuna not getting relegated. Despite poor defending by CBs, he has been saving Osasuna from an embarrassing exit from Primera.
Courtois has been so consistent and no wonder holds the most clean sheets and been a pillar for Simeone's current success. Hence the Zamora winner wins it over the other 2 keepers..
Central Defenders
If Courtois has been a wall between the goals, Godin and Miranda had given everything to ensure that the opponent's attacking threat is cut down incredibly. If the duo of Atleti had been awesome throughout the season, Malaga's Demechelis and Welligton had been brilliant in their own way.
Hector Moreno had been a pillar for Espanyol's awesome comeback up the league table from relegation zone and a beast who can create chance for his team as well. His last ditch tackles are probably the best in Europe currently.
Ramos has been consistent throughout the season for Madrid. And the young Inigo Martinez is ready to show the world that he will be the best defender in the coming seasons by putting in jaw-dropping tackles.
So deciding on just 2 CBs would be extremely difficult, but as it calls for, I feel the brilliance of Moreno and Godin has just edged others this season.
Right Back
Andoni Iraola is probably the most underrated full back in the last decade, since he is not playing in either Real Madrid or Barcelona. His passing success rate is consistently over 80% this season and his long balls often cause havoc for the opponents and has a 70% success rate in tackles (Stats are only for those who don't know about him or never heard of him before). The best player in Bilbao squad this season, the best in his position once again this season, he edges over the likes of his closest rivals in that position this year, Sevilla's Cicinho and Atletico's Juanfran.
Juanfran had been very much vital to Atletico's success. Though slightly inconsistent when it came to big games, he bettered everyone in the CDR finals. Remember his open goal save? Whereas Sevilla's Cicinho has been the most dependable of their club's backline, also involving in attacks consistently. If not for these three, Malaga's Jesus Gamez would have taken the plaudits ahead of Sociedad's Carlos Martinez and Barcelona's Dani Alves.
Left Back
I must say, If Malaga's Nacho Monreal had stayed and continued with his terrific form, he would have won this spot hands down. His colleague Eliseu interchanging his positions between LM and LB has been way too impressive as well.
Jordi Alba's impressive runs and an improved defending attributes after Christmas was astounding. The Barca's new signee has been one of the most consistent and committed full backs in the world currently.
Valencia's Guardado, though his original position being in the LM, did a fairly convincing job as a LB.
But the best Left Back this season is Sociedad's Alberto De La Bella. He is probably the most inspiring defender this season. (For those who have not seen him, he has over 80% successful passing rate, one of the best tacklers in the world and his clearances and timing are way above most defenders in Europe. Besides this, he also makes key passes every game and involve in attack by teaming up with Greizmann or Agirettxe). In the whole season, he has made just one avoidable defensive error which unfortunately resulted in a goal. Despite that black mark, he has been consistent and lead his team to the final UCL spot ahead of Valencia. Hence it would only be fitting he is chosen for this spot ahead of Jordi Alba and others.
Central Midfield - DEF
Maybe the problem with some of the teams like Levante or Granada is that a talent (not just in CDM) may not be identified right away like at Barcelona or Malaga or Madrid, because they don't actually have a 'clearly defined' tactics and formation, which leads to underutilisation of players' calibre.
There are probably 7-10 best CDMs in the world who had played in La Liga this season. Anyways, on what was apparent this season, Roberto Trashorras is probably the best boon Rayo Vallecano or for that matter any club could ask for in this position. He not only contributed in defending (having almost 84% success rate in tackles), he has made more accurate accurate long balls in La Liga and more key passes than any in his position. The only weakness he probably needs to work on is his aerial duels, which others happen to get better of him. Having said that, except Rayo's front line plays, they intend to go for possession based attacking (they have the best possessional stats only next to Barcelona). He probably has the passing rate and possession rate more than most Barcelona players. And even more importantly he has not committed any open defensive error throughout the season, unlike his colleague Fuega who is quite error-prone and probably has more name among all his teammates. Oh! The Irony!
Sergio Busquets would probably be owning this position for the past 4 years. But the unfortunate over-usage of such a player has taken toll on his performances in the tail end of the Liga games, which probably gave slight edge for the fellow Spaniard to gain the position.
Jose Canas of Betis, who will be moving to EPL this summer is next in the list. Even when the free flowing Benat has not been living upto his status in some games, Canas on the other hand had been solid throughout the season and was the main man behind Betis' amazing run this season, ending up with an Europa League Position. Though he was not involved much in the attacking respect from Central Midfield, which was down to Benat, he had been an iron wall to beat up by any opposition. With him joining EPL, La Liga has lost one of the gems of CDM in today's footballing world.
Sociedad's 23 year old Genius, Aiser Illaramendi needs a mention. His reading of the game has been awesome, add to that the gift of control and passing. He is probably the typical Central Midfielder (not CDM, a CM) any top club would be scouting for.
Central Midfield - ATT
In the CAM position, the top 7 contenders are Andres Iniesta, Mesut Ozil, Koke, Rakitic, Joan Verdu, Ever Banega and Benat.
There is probably no introduction or explanation that needs to be put up for the first two. Koke has been as much dynamic as Falcao for Atletico Madrid the whole season. Though just 21 years of age, he probably owned the midifeld attacking on most occassions. Putting up such matured displays every week has gained him attention throughout the world. With UCL campaign next season, one can only expect bigger things things from him next season.
Rakitic has been performing as brilliant as always, involving in every attack and in the process giving in more key passes, bagging in goals and assists. A total package CAM for Sevilla, if not for 'Sitters-missing' Negredo he would have topped the stats list as well. Joan Verdu was the main source drawn to inpire the Espanyol's comeback under Aguirre alongside already selected Moreno. Teeing up and inpiring his teammates with his key passes, he also scored many crucial goals en-route to the mid-table finish from the bottom.
Valencia's Ever Banega too has had a great season. Against top clubs he stood out tall even when his colleagues failed to deliver, especially the Copa Del Rey Legs against Real Madrid. Despite that, he failed to perform when it mattered the most on some occassions. He, not only helped tghe team to gel in attacks, but also has a very good defensive rate as well.
Betis' Benat has been scouted by many clubs around the world for the last 2 seasons. "Brilliance at its best" is what he is known to be when in full form. This season had been a roller coaster ride in his performance, but nevertheless whenever he found rhythm, it was way too hard to stop him.
Ozil's contribution in Madrid's second place finish is as good and effective as Cristiano Ronaldo's energetic displays. But when it mattered the most, it was "Don Iniesta" who stood up for Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi in finishing La Liga at the top with record points. Throughout the season he has been the most consistent and effective player for Barcelona, after Lionel Messi. Even during Messi's injury in the tail-end of Liga, Iniesta ensured Barca's prolific run by teeing up with other forwards like Villa, Sanchez and even Cesc Fabregas. On the whole, he not only owns this position currently, but is a strong contender for Balon D'or once again this year.
Right Wing
One more Master will be leaving to EPL from La Liga this summer. Once again another money-rich clubs had stolen away a gem from Spain. Jesus Navas will be leaving to Manchester City. But no wonder he is leaving, because he deserves Champions League football and City needs a champion like him to go beyond their poor accomplishments at the European Level. There are probably very few players in the world who can compete with him for his position. A brilliant dribbler, passer, crosser and what not. There can be no doubt, it will take years to find another player like him in La Liga.
Having said this, there are equally brilliant contestants in Malaga's Joaquin, Athletic Bilbao's Susaeta, Sociedad's Prieto, and Atletico's Costa.
When we see the contribution and effectiveness among the list, there is no doubt Pedro Leon and Susaeta are the closest contenders for Navas. Despite having many under-performing players in the team, he literally took his side out of any possible danger alongside Iraola and Adruiz. Leon on the other hand ensured Getafe's top half finish with his sublime crossing and dribblings, which might ensure that he might head back to Real Madrid this summer, depending on club's requirement and player's wish.
Joaquin will be moving out to Fiorentina this summer. I must say he was probably the best signing in Malaga's history. Not only in Spain, but in the European level he stood heads above others and trolled every defender who came on his way, before setting up a genius-pass or taking a well-aimed shot.
Xabi Prieto - More known for his brilliant brace against real Madrid and his synch with Vela has been on a high note this season. Forming part of the fantastic 5 of Sociedad's attack, one can easily say he has over-performed by miles than what was expected of him at the start of the season from the 29 year old Spaniard, by scoring 9 goals and created over 60 chances for his team mates.
Nonetheless, there is no doubt Jesus Navas would probably be the choice of everyone in this respect.
Left Wing
One of the best shooters ever, one of the fastest athletes ever, such a hard working personality Cristiano is, there is not even the slightest of possibility that he would not make into the Team of the season. His goals is only second to Messi. Though not the typical Spanish LW, he is more of the English LW or to say LWF. Amassing a total of 34 Goals (6 Penalties) and 11 assists he stands a notch up above other players.
Isco is easily the best young talent in La Liga this season. Not only in Spain, he proved his worth against most European opponents this season. His versatility has drawn comparisons with Don Iniesta himself and most likely he will be able to live upto the expectations. He is probably one of the very few players in Liga this season to have dribbled past Madrid, Barcelona and more important Atletico's defense. Even at this young age, he is the most used player in Malaga squad and their top scorer and keyman as well. Though CAM is his favorite position, he has is more fond of dribbling down the left flanks and teeing up his teammates than only sticking upto his central roles. Infact he has started many such games on the left in Liga and performed incredibly, especially after Morales coming into Malaga.
Youngster Antoine Greizmann has been the one of the top reasons for Sociedad's UCL spot finish. Even when Vela or Agirettxe had been missing out the matches or slightly off-form, the young Frenchman has done enough to prove that he is among the top ten youngsters in the world already, involving in as much as 15 goals in La Liga this season. In the crucial game against Real Madrid at Anoeta, he was the main reason alongside Prieto to ensure that they got a point, which helped the Basque club to have a chance to go forward against Deportivo in the last Gameweek with a hope to finish above Valencia.
Sevilla's Jose Antonio Reyes is easily the best crosser of the ball in La Liga. At 29, he is probably the one of the most feared left flank attackers in the world. Though missing out Liga actions for 3-4 weeks initially, he settled in slowly and started weaving his magic week in week out. But as stated earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo is a notch up the stated players and unarguably the best in this position in La Liga.
Forwards
Lionel Messi - well, what to say about this guy? The 4 time Balon D'or winner is not just the best player in La Liga this season, but arguably among greatest of all times. He scored 21 games in a row this season, another record broken by the Little Argentine. If not for the injury, he would have broken his own record of 50 Liga goals in a season set by him last year. Every football fan would have analysed his statistics and stuff. So fortunately or unfortunately, I don't think it will be required as such to give in any reason to name him, "La Liga Player of the Season", once again, having notched up 46 goals (4 Penalties) and 12 Assists and winning the Pichchi Trophy and European Golden boot as a result.
The last position probably has some stiff competition. Radamel Falcao, Roberto Soldado, Agirettxe, Riki, Iago Aspas, Adruiz, Carlos Vela, Ruben Castro and probably Alvaro Negredo too for his impressive stats in scoring. Among the list of CFs, Falcao, Agirettxe, Castro and Soldado stand tall.
Negredo had missed enough sitters to see him out of the Spanish squad for the confederations cup. Iago Aspas had been totally brilliant that he is one of the sought after forwards by the EPL clubs having rescued Celta from relegation by a whisker. Agirettxe honestly deserves call from Spain NT for his selfless performance for Sociedad has been astounding throughout the season. Carlos Vela is in my opinion the best player of Sociedad. His timing, Shots, Assists, Passing, Teaming up has been on par with a world class forward this season.
Betis' Ruben Castro has been the sole consolation upfront to utilise the brilliance of Benat. Molina has been very much under-performing which made Castro take more responsibilty, which he obliged and made Betis reach the Europa League. With Llorente no longer the first choice, The Mastermind of Marcelo Bielsa had to depend on the strikes of Adruiz to help Bilbao reach a decent mid-table finish and the striker performed to his optimum level despite many other teammates falling short to put up any decent performance.
Though Riki has done enough to leave a Legendary status among the Deportivo fans forever, he unfortunately couldnot rescue them from relegation this season. Probably one of the most underrated strikers of the last decade, he has now left the Once Great Club after seven brilliant seasons.
Despite such big names, Falcao and Soldado have been the most reliable and astounding strikers this season. To pick one among these two is extremely difficult as such. One hand, Soldado after his brilliant performances and scoring-spree has got a call up for the Spanish NT. Falcao on the other hand has probably made one of the biggest ever transfers in football after putting up an awe-inspiring performance for Atletico Madrid this season once again. So, on consistency basis - Falcao just edges Soldado, since the latter found hard time in some gameweeks and put up a below par performance, esp in Copa Del Rey. Thus The Beast Falcao has made the La Liga Team of The Season amongst other stalwarts.
Manager of The Season
Barcelona's Tito Vilanova has done enough in the first half of the season to ensure a brilliant and victorious campaign, before his unfortunate illness forced him to take off from overlooking the squad.
Jose Mourinho, after winning La Liga last season failed to live upto the expectations of the Madridistas.
Javier Aguirre, tough came in as a replacement at Espanyol has been extremely tactful to save Espanyol from relegation zone and take them to a Mid-Table Finish.
Diego Simeone almost took the brilliant and hardworking Atletico Madrid ahead of their city rivals, but the inconsistency towards the end and his not changing the formation or tactics and the lack of rotation, made them yet again to finish below Real Madrid. Nevertheless his smart work did pay off with a Cope Del Rey Title, that too against their very own city rivals.
Manuel Pellgrini is the next manager after Mourinho, who is likely to end up in EPL. His brilliance in Champions League and almost going past the Runners-up Dortmund has been a fairytale story. But because of the European concentration, Malaga's performance in La Liga was significantly affected. Having had to manage the club with the departures of its top 2 players last summer, Pellegrini did whatever he could to ensure an European spot for the club.
Pepe Mel, now rumored to takeover the brilliant Sociedad, has proved himself to be a Master Tactician, having had to rely upon very handful of players and ensured an European finish.
But taking up an almost unexpected squad to a Champions League finish is more than amazing job. 48 year old Philippe Montanier may unfortunately not manage the squad next season. But managing just a 22 man squad with a limited budget, but ensuring that he finish above the likes of rivals Bilbao, the Great Valencia and the European contender Malaga is no mean feat. Hence, in my opinion Montanier has been the best manager in La Liga this season over Simeone, Vilanova and Pellegrini.
Signing of The Season
The top 3 signings in La Liga last summer were Sevilla's Kondogbia, Barcelona's Jordi Alba, and Sociedad's Carlos Vela.
Kondogbia is among the best young talents in Europe. Vela and Alba's prowess has already been explained above.
In my opinion, being the best player of a Champions League teamand having performed consistently above par throughout the season, Carlos Vela deserves the tag over other signings.
LA LIGA TEAM OF THE SEASON 2012 - 2013 - OVERVIEW
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| LA LIGA XI OF THE SEASON 2012-13 |
PLAYERS WHO ALMOST MADE IT TO THE LA LIGA XI
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| PLAYERS WHO ALMOST MADE IT TO LA LIGA XI |
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