La Liga currently is the currently the most dominant league in European football today. Spanish teams have superior playing quality when compared to other leagues and Spanish football is of a higher technical standard. Leagues in England and Italy may have more money, but looking at the achievements of Spanish teams, there’s only one winner.
The past few years have seen Spain not only dominate in Champions League but also in the Europa League. In a league that made of well-known goal scorers, La Liga also comprises of quality assist providers.
Here’s looking at the top 5 early contenders for most assist in La Liga.
#5 Koke
Having risen from Atletico Madrid’s youth system to their playing eleven, Koke is currently an intrinsic part of their midfield. Koke’s versatility, key passing, ability to take set pieces and deliver accurate crosses makes him a vital asset under coach Diego Simeone. Due to his impressive performances for Atletico last season, Koke even made it to the squad for Euro 2016.
Over the years he has matured into a player who can control the midfield in key areas, along with organising counter attacks and even making defensive contributions when needed.
Koke provided 14 assists from 35 matches for Atletico Madrid last season. With strikers like Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann, Koke could finish as one of the contenders to top the assist chart.
#4 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale had a stunning Euro 2016 after lifting the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid. His stellar performances at Euro 2016 helped Wales advance to the semi-finals, in what was their first major international tournament since 1958.
As a result of his impressive performances for both club and country, he was nominated as one of the three contenders for the Best Player in Europe award. Bale was the second top assister for the Los Blancos with 10 assists along with German playmaker Toni Kroos.
Arguably, Bale has been the best performer in the Benzema-Bale-Ronaldo trio last season. Despite being sidelined due to injuries, he was one of their best players last season contributing with 19 goals and 15 assists. If he manages to stay away from injuries this season, Bale could emerge as the contender for most assists.
#3 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez was the main reason why Barcelona was successful in claiming their title, as he scored 40 goals and assisted 16. It is very rare to see someone match and overtake Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Luis Suarez was a new revelation. The Uruguayan was in the form of his life and his performances could even lead him to win the Ballon d’Or.
Suarez has found the perfect chemistry with Neymar and Messi, with the three blending together to form one of the most lethal attacking trios in world football. His heroics last season made him win the Golden Boot award.
Despite his inability to take his country forward in the Copa America 2016, there will be no stopping Luis Suarez in dominating the assists table for Barcelona.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo still remains the biggest threat for the Los Blancos. The Portuguese star managed to notch up 35 goals and the leading assister for his team with 11 assists. Despite failing to preserve his fitness towards the end of the season and miss some key matches, Real Madrid could not do any better without Ronaldo.
For the sixth consecutive season in his La Liga, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more than 30 goals. His consistent performances with Real Madrid clearly show why is considered the best. Ronaldo won his second Champions League title with Real Madrid and even won his first ever silverware with Portugal.
He is now in line to win the European Player of the Year award, and may have a chance to win the Ballon d’Or. If Ronaldo can manage to maintain his fitness, there is no doubt that he would be one of the leading assist providers in La Liga.
#1 Lionel Messi
It has been a tough summer for Lionel Messi. He lost his fourth final with Argentina and following that, he decided to retire from international football. Things turned from bad to worse, as he was accused in a tax fraud scandal. However, Messi still remains the best player when it comes to performing for his club.
Messi topped the assist players chart in La Liga last season with 18 assists and scored 26 goals. His supreme performances at the club still make him the best in the world. Despite being out injured for two months, Messi still ended the season with impressive statistics. Goals and assists aside, Messi is a crucial ingredient when comes to their tiki-taka game and provides an essential smooth link between the midfield and attack.
Even though he could not score as much as he did last season, his assists helped Luis Suarez lift the Golden Boot award. Being a complete team player, Messi could finish as the top assist provider in the La Liga again.
