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La Liga this season has not at all gone on expected lines. After last season's stunning performance, Real Madrid were expected to blow away the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid once again this season,
However, this season, Madrid have struggled while the Catalan giants are yet to be beaten in the league. The likes of Atletico Madrid and Valencia have also stepped up their game and are doing pretty well this season.
Hence, this season, this list has some very well known names and a few names which might surprise the readers. Without much ado, let us take a look at the 5 best midfielders in La Liga this season:
#5 Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad)
Real Sociedad might not have had a good season so far, but Asier Illarramendi has continued his good form from last season and he has easily been their standout player.
The 27-year-old midfielder has really matured this season and his performances have shown time and again that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football at the moment.
A real warrior in the centre of the field for Sociedad, Illaramendi is known for his reading of the game, positioning skills and interceptions. Over the course of this season, his passing range has also increased tremendously and the Basque-born midfielder plays a vital role in both defence and attack for his side.
Illaramendi has been so good this season that his performances have earned him an impressive 5 man of the match awards so far. The Spaniard will be hoping to continue his good performances until the end of the season.
#4 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Probably the best and most consistent midfielder in world football last season, Toni Kroos like his Real Madrid team has failed to hit the heights of last season. However, having said that, the German star is still one of the most accomplished midfielders in this league.
In 19 appearances for Madrid in the league this season, the midfielder has managed to score 4 times and grab 4 assists as well. While this will be a good return for any normal playmaker, by Kroos' own high standards, he will be hoping to perform better in the coming weeks.
When at his best, Kroos is one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Blessed with excellent vision, technical ability and passing skills, the 28-year-old pass master will be looking to end the season on a high and help Madrid climb up the league table.
#3 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
One of the true legends of the game, Andres Iniesta, even at 33 is one of the best midfielders on the planet. After having a relatively poor 2016/17 season by his own high standards, the Spaniard has been like a man reborn under Ernesto Valverde this season and he will be keen on helping Barcelona achieve their lofty targets.
Blessed with excellent vision, passing ability and supreme dribbling skills, Iniesta has often been the silent architect of Barcelona's immense success being their most impressive player on many occasions.
The Barcelona captain always seems to bring his best game on the big occasions and the Blaugrana faithful will be hoping that Iniesta manages to stay fit and in good form until the end of the season.
#2 Daniel Parejo (Valencia)
Valencia have been in very good form this season and the man key to their resurgence has been their captain, Daniel Parejo. The 28-year-old midfielder has been in fine form for Los Che and he has run the game from midfield with his brilliant passing and ball retention skills.
A former Real Madrid youth product, Parejo first made a name for himself at Getafe before establishing himself at Valencia. Known for his set-piece taking abilities, Parejo has run the show from midfield and has already contributed 6 goals and 6 assists in this season so far.
Valencia have a real chance of finishing above Real Madrid this season and their captain, Daniel Parejo will be hoping that his team and himself continue this good form and seal Champions League qualification for next season.
#1 Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
The all-conquering Barcelona side have a forward line which is the envy of the whole world. However, the player who is most vital for Barcelona’s unique system to work is Sergio Busquets.
The Spaniard often does the dirty work in the middle of the park without which Barcelona cannot play the beautiful football they are renowned for. Busquets is known for the pivotal midfield-anchor role that he plays for Barcelona and his good form is one of the main reasons for the Catalan giants' resurgence this season.
While the likes of Messi, Suarez and Iniesta always run away with the plaudits, Busquets is perhaps the most important player of this team. Quite simply put, when Busquets plays well, Barcelona plays well.
