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Spain has always been a hotspot for midfield talent and La Liga has always been immensely blessed in that department. The likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Guti, Fabregas have controlled games in the league poise and grace in the past.
Even at this very moment, the league is filled to the brim with outstanding midfield talents. Sergio Busquets, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos are all world-class midfielders currently plying their trade in La Liga. Aside from these headline-makers, there are other midfielders who fly under the radar.
We look at the five most underrated midfielders in La Liga.
#5 Renato Tapia
When there is a discussion about La Liga midfielders, the image that comes to mind is of a technically-gifted controller or creator. Tapia, however, doesn't fit this prototype.
The Peruvian, who joined Celta Vigo from Feyenoord in 2019 is a defensive beast. Last season he made the most tackles in the division and made more ball recoveries than anyone in La Liga.
In Celta's system, where all his midfield partners are attack-minded, Tapia's role in breaking down opposition attacks is the most important. He is easily of the level of Champions League clubs. Real Madrid are said to have scouted him in the past as Casemiro's successor.
#4 Manu Trigueros
For nearly a decade now, Manu Trigueros has been bossing the center of the park for Villarreal. The vice-captain of the Yellow Submarine was extremely crucial in their Europa League triumph last season. Trigueros functions as sort of an advanced '8' or pure central midfielder who is tasked with carrying the ball up to the attacking third.
Needless to say, Trigueros is terrific in possession. He completes 4.81 passes into the final third per game and also provides 5.45 progressive passes a game. In defense, Trigueros is a very aggressive tackler and his pressing is vital to the side.
#3 Guido Rodriguez
Another excellent defensive midfielder, Guido Rodriguez's presence allows both his club and country to play with a plethora of attacking talent. Acquired by Real Betis for just 10 million Euros, Rodriguez has established himself as an important player in the side over the last two years.
Rodriguez's defensive numbers per 90 are ridiculous - 3.29 tackles, 2.35 interceptions, 2.41 blocks, and 2.55 clearances. Betis are third in La Liga at the moment and Guido has played a huge role as a midfield anchor.
If Argentina are to do well in this year's World Cup, they will need Rodriguez to be on top form, like he was during their Copa America win last year.
#2 Dani Parejo
Dani Parejo, now 32, has always been underrated and underappreciated. Parejo has only four appearances for the Spanish national team despite a decade of consistent performances.
The footballing equivalent of a metronome, Parejo dictates games from the middle, controlling the tempo at which Villarreal plays. He is also a great set-piece taker.
Parejo already has six assists, this season, which will increase while keeping in mind his excellent delivery from freekicks and corners. Villarreal wouldn't have been able to believe their luck when they picked him up on a free transfer from rivals Valencia in 2021.
#1 Sergio Canales
The fact that all big clubs aren't queuing up to sign Sergio Canales in every window is bewildering. A player of Canales' caliber and level of performance should really be competing for all the top prizes.
Since arriving at the Benito Villamarin in 2018, Canales has contributed directly to more than 50 of Real Betis' goals.
This season, Canales has three goals and four assists and has been nominated for La Liga Player of the Month for January. Another player often overlooked by Spain's managers, Canales, has only 10 international caps. With the World Cup taking place this year, Canales will be desperate to represent his country.
