La Liga 2017/18: 5 most impressive Barcelona players this season

The 2017-18 La Liga Season has been a promising one for Ernesto Valverde and his men. Barcelona are serious title contenders and are sitting at the top of the table with 62 points in just 24 matches. Ernesto Valverde has expressed satisfaction with the way things have gone for the Spanish club so far and has stated that the Catalans will be hoping to continue their winning run for as long as possible.

Amidst this, there have been some glowing performances from some of the more elegant players Barcelona has in their ranks. We take a look at 5 such players who have produced some sparkling performances in the ongoing season.

#1 Lionel Messi

The charismatic Argentine has been the core of Barcelona forward line. Messi has formed a deadly combination with Luis Suarez in the attack. Many ex-footballers thought that the departure of Neymar might hurt the balance of their forward line, but the 30-year old has teamed up quite well with Suarez and his coordination with the midfield as well has been as sharp as ever.

Messi has deceived the opposition defense with his accelerating runs and crafty dribbles. He can decide the outcome of a game with his individual brilliance. The Argentine has scored 20 goals in 24 La Liga games this season and will be hoping to continue along this goal scoring form.

The striker has shouldered the responsibility of the team with aplomb.

Messi will be expected to come good not only in their upcoming La Liga games but in their upcoming Champions League fixtures. The Argentine scored in the first leg of their last 16 game against Chelsea which will be a big boost for the striker as he had not scored against the Blues in the last 8 matches.

Valverde has stated that a player of Messi's stature always helps lift the spirits of the entire team.

# 2 Luis Suarez

The striker has dominated the defense of the opposition with his aggressive style of play. Messi should consider himself lucky as he has an able partner like Suarez to accompany him in the attack, and one he can bank upon for support during critical situations of a game.

Together the duo have outlasted the best defenses with their sensational link-up. Suarez has been a revelation for the Catalans since his arrival at Camp Nou and has threatened almost every opposition with his electrifying pace.

Suarez has operated quite well in the flanks this season. Though he had slowed down a bit in the mid-season because of fitness issues, it looks as if he has recaptured his rhythm in the past few weeks. His intensity tends to lift the morale of his teammates and his vicious finishing looks sharp as ever.

The man from Uruguay has scored 17 goals in 21 games in the current La Liga season.

The 30-year-old was questioned for his attitude for not standing up when the team required him to. He was also criticized for not delivering against bigger clubs, but of late the striker has silenced his critics with some spirited performances over the months.

Valverde, too, has maintained that the striker will surely play a crucial role in the team's success in the coming months.

# 3 Paulinho

The Brazilian was billed as the midfield pillar since his arrival at Barcelona FC in August last year. He has been improving with every passing game. His ability to play both offensively and defensively has been a boon for the Spanish club.

The 29-year-old can also double up as an attacking midfielder, which has been his biggest strength and has offered Barcelona options in the midfield.

Like Suarez, Paulinho has been quite influential at the flanks as the midfielder has shown tremendous resistance when it comes to his ability to hold possession for a long time. He has been exceptional in set pieces and in winning aerial duels.

He has this knack for creating chances with unorthodox movements through which he tends to outfox the best defenses. Paulinho has also registered 8 goals in 23 La Liga games this season. The Brazilian has linked up well with other midfielders like Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic etc.

Many pundits did rate the Brazilian to produce such shining performances consistently but the midfielder has been impressive till now. One of the biggest factors for Paulinho's inclusion in the side is his attacking prowess, which infuses a whole lot of fluidity in the Barcelona attack.

# 4 Jordi Alba

The Spaniard has been quite instrumental for Barcelona in the midfield and has delivered during pressure situations. His ability to create space through the opposition’s defense with his deceptive movements makes him a vital cog in their lineup. The 28-year-old also offers flexibility in their midfield.

The Spaniard has also shown his toughness during some testing times with the help of his ability to win the ball back from the opposition. Jordi Alba is a tricky player who can bamboozle the best defenses with his smart passes that cut through these defenses.

Alba too, like Paulinho, can play both defensively and offensively. The midfielder is technically quite strong too.

The Spain international has also assisted in feeding the forward line with his inventive moves as well as his aerial volleys. He has also shown his ability to create chances with his quality passes.

# 5 Gerard Pique

Valencia v Barcelona - Copa del Rey Semi Final Second Leg

The Spaniard has been like a rock of the Catalan defense this season, standing strong for them in crunch situations. The 31-year-old has manned his team's defense with a resolute approach for nine and a half years now.

Though in the ongoing season the defender had some fitness issues, Gerard Pique has made a strong comeback to the team thereafter.

He has been quite good at winning aerial duals as well as long crosses, while he has used his physicality really well by making some smart tackles.

Pique has always provided a lot of steadiness in the Barcelona defense by showing some dogged resistance of his own. It looks much more organized because of his presence. The Spain international definitely is the most reliable defender in their line up.