5 players that could challenge Lionel Messi's dominance in La Liga this season

The La Liga witnessed what is perhaps the biggest rivalry in football history, with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and his Portuguese counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo running riot in the Spanish top flight for the past nine years. These incredible superstars dominated the division in style, sharing almost every award between each other including the Ballon d'Or, Pichichi, European Golden Golden Shoe and so many more.

However, it is quite obvious that we won't be able to enjoy such rivalry in the Spanish top flight this season, with Cristiano Ronaldo having left Real Madrid to complete a famous move to Juventus this summer - leaving Lionel Messi as the dominant figure in the Spanish league.

Although the Argentine belongs in a class that is above everyone else in La Liga, there are still few players in the division who could threaten his superiority this term. Therefore lets quickly take a look 5 incredible superstars that could challenge the attacker's dominance in the Spanish top flight during the campaign:

#5. Iago Aspas

Aspas is a consistent performer in the Spanish top flight

Only a few superstars in La Liga can compare with the incredible abilities of Ceta Vigo forward, Iago Aspas. The Spaniard has been one of the top performers in the Spanish top flight for quite some time, finishing in the fourth position on the goalscorers chart during the previous campaign.

Aspas is set to have another prolific season in front of goal this term, with his ability to find his way through his markers using his sheer pace and incredible dribbling skills making him a real threat to opposition defenders.

The 31-year-old will be looking forward to reproducing his brilliance in the division once again and he is definitely one of the few superstars that could challenge Lionel Messi's dominance in the Spanish top flight this season.

#4. Diego Costa

The striker is in great form at the moment

Atletico Madrid sharpshooter, Diego Costa is one of the few superstars that could mount a serious challenge to Lionel Messi's dominance in La Liga this season. After returning to the Spanish top flight in January, the striker has gotten back to his obvious best and he will definitely make his impact felt at the Wanda Metrolipotano this term.

An aggressive player and a decent finisher, capable of bullying opposition defenders with his physical advantage and sending the ball into the back of the net, there is no doubt Costa is a strong contender for the Pichichi award this season.

With Atletico Madrid also emerging as serious candidates to win the La Liga title this term, the 29-year-old could get the opportunity to overthrow Lionel Messi and become the most dominant figure in the Spanish top flight - if he manages to inspire the Rojiblancos to win the coveted prize crown during the campaign.

#3. Luka Modric

Modric will be keen for more success after a brilliant World Cup campaign in Russia

Luka Modric has taken his game to a whole new level following his brilliant performances in the FIFA World Cup this year. The playmaker ran riot in Russia, leading his nation to the final of the tournament and claiming the Golden Ball award for his amazing displays.

The Croatian International is in the form of his life at the moment. If he manages to reproduce his spectacular World Cup performances at club level this season, he will definitely stand a chance to challenge Lionel Messi's status as the best player in La Liga.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo also gives him more opportunity to expand his influence and become the leader of Real Madrid, which could eventually help in getting the best out of him in the Spanish top flight during the campaign.

#2. Antoine Griezmann

The World Cup winner is a big threat to Lionel Messi's dominance

Atletico Madrid hitman, Antoine Griezmann is also one of the amazing superstars who could challenge Lionel Messi's dominance in La Liga this season. After guiding his nation to claim the prestigious World Cup trophy in Russia, the attacker will be looking forward to reaching a similar level of impact at club level during the campaign.

A highly talented, consistent and incredible player, Griezmann has been one of the top performers in La Liga for the past few years. He bagged an incredible 19 goals in the division last term and more is expected from him during the current campaign.

The Frenchman has been Atletico's best player for a long time. Considering his incredible form at the moment, the attacker is surely a strong contender for the Pichichi award this season and he could as well, challenge Lionel Messi for the status of the best player in the Spanish top flight.

#1. Gareth Bale

Bale will take his game a new level this season

Following the departure of Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo who left Real Madrid for Juventus this summer, all eyes will be on his former teammate Gareth Bale to step up and challenge Lionel Messi's dominance in the Spanish top flight this season.

Bale is a pacey winger with immense skills and incredible talent, very dangerous during counter-attacks and highly effective in the air. He has the incredible ability to move the ball forward, penetrate into the opposition box to create chances and score spectacular goals.

After opening his account with a brilliant effort in Real Madrid's victory against Getafe on Sunday, the Welsh International has put himself in a good position to challenge Lionel Messi for dominance in La Liga this season.