Player Focus: Top 5 January signings in La Liga

Stefan Mitrovi? (Benfica to Real Valladolid on loan)

The signings at the bottom of the table are as important as those at the top, and Valladolid, who have for some time worked the market in Europe well, may well have a gem here. Mitrovic has arrived from Benfica desperate for game time, and in the two appearances he has made so far he’s been an immense presence. The 1.89m centre-back could shine brightly under Juan Ignacio Martínez, a known advocate of defensive systems, and make the step to bigger and better things. Valladolid haven’t yet conceded with him playing, and those games have come against tough opponents in Villarreal and Getafe. He’s already made an enormous 13.5 clearances per game, the most at Valladolid, while contributing 2.5 interceptions, which puts him in 3rd at the club. Given his height it’s unsurprising he’s won 3 aerials duels per game too. His understanding with experienced centre-back Jesús Reuda will be key, while his aerial threat will be an asset for Valladolid to use both in defence and when attacking with set-pieces, from which they’ve grabbed 33% of their goals this term.