5 best midfielders in the La Liga this season

This season, La Liga has had its ups and downs - although looking like a very competitive campaign up until mid-season. Most of the top sides were struggling, while less-fancied sides were ready to surprise everyone. No team looked unbeatable in the division and there was only a five-point gap between leaders Barcelona and fourth-placed Real Madrid on matchday 16.

After the break though, the top teams have upped their game. Playing more comfortably and as a result, Barcelona have emerged seven points clear of closest rivals Atletico Madrid while Real sit in third - 12 points behind - with a title race seemingly off the cards now.

Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has endured a difficult campaign at the Bernabeu this term after an excellent World Cup campaign with Croatia and it's unsurprising he doesn't feature in this list. There are some surprise additions, all of whom are deserved, so without further ado, let's take a look at the five best midfielders in La Liga this season:

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#5 Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Busquets in action during Barca's 4-2 win over Sevilla late last month

The all-conquering Barcelona side have a frontline who are the envy of the whole world. However, Sergio Busquets is arguably the player most vital to their unique system - barring Lionel Messi.

Often, the Spaniard does the dirty work in the middle of the park without which Barca would struggle to play the beautiful football for which they are famous for. Busquets is known for his pivotal midfield-anchor role and his impressive form this season is one of the main reasons for their resurgence this term.

While the likes of Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and the aforementioned Messi are regularly applauded for their creative brilliance, Busquets is the team's backbone and boasts a commendable passing accuracy rate of 89.7% this term.

#4 Ever Banega (Sevilla)

Banega in action against Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos

Banega originally joined Sevilla back in 2014 after leaving Valencia for £2m. After winning consecutive Europa League titles under Unai Emery, an unsuccessful year-long stint with Inter Milan saw the creative Argentine return to Seville.

Since then, he has been the club's standout player and justified his reputation for excellent playmaking skills. With eight goals and seven assists (all comps) this term, his presence has proven integral as Sevilla aim to compete for a top-four place - five points behind surprise package Getafe in fourth place at the time of writing.

The 30-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down after a disappointing World Cup campaign last summer and his per 90 averages are impressive for a player regularly deployed in a range of different midfield positions - whether that be a deep-lying playmaking role or further forward. He has completed 59 dribbles, 60 key passes and 75 tackles in 30 appearances across Spain's top-flight and the Europa League this season.

#3 Rodrigo Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)

Rodri in action against Real Betis earlier this season

Rodrigo Hernandez joined Atletico Madrid this season from Villarreal and quickly emerged as one of the signings of the campaign. He has looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his emergence was unsurprisingly rewarded with his senior Spain debut last March. Since then, he has featured during victories over Croatia, Wales and Bosnia this season and consistent form justifies his inclusion whenever La Roja are involved ointernational duty.

At just 22-years-old, the midfielder has the potential to assert himself as one of the world's best in his position. An excellent passing range, strong in the air and a strong tackler, his impressive form saw him quickly earn a starting spot under Diego Simeone.

So far this term he averages 3.3 tackles, 2.2 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game in La Liga - while boasting an impressive 90.5% successful passing rate.

#2 Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

Rakitic in action during Barca's Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid recently

A key member for both club and country, Ivan Rakitic provides tireless work ethic, goals and assists - having asserted himself as a mainstay in Barca's midfield after arriving from Sevilla for a shrewd £16.2m fee back in the summer of 2014.

Often known as Ernesto Valverde's favourite, Rakitic is often one of the first on the team-sheet and this has been used to criticise the manager at times too when the Croatian doesn't have a good game.

His insistence to utilise the Croatian is justified though - his playing style suits the team and while his goal contribution statistics aren't as good as they can be (five goals, seven assists in all comps), it's because he's unselfish enough to play deeper roles in midfield to support Busquets while allowing the forward players more possession in the final third.

#1 Daniel Parejo (Valencia)

Parejo has emerged as Valencia's most important player in a frustrating campaign

Valencia have been in poor form this season and find themselves 7th in the league, six points off the top-four places at present. However, captain Daniel Parejo has been the man key to their resurgence. The 29-year-old has been in impressive form for Los Che and with brilliant passing range, ball retention skills and composure, he regularly runs games from midfield.

Known for being a set-piece specialist, Parejo has contributed six goals and four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. His successful pass completion rate is 85.2% and although playing for an underperforming Valencia side, has justified himself as one of the league's best.

Even despite their inconsistent form, Valencia have a real chance to finish in the top-four and they'll need influential players like Parejo to maintain their excellent form to secure Champions League qualification for next season. However with the likes of Getafe, Alaves and Sevilla it will be a tough ask and it's more probable they will have to settle for Europa League competition again next term.

Stats' source: WhoScored