LaLiga 2017/2018, Team of the Week (Matchday Six): Dani Ceballos's first start, Lionel Messi's man-marker and more

Lionel M
Lionel Messi was man-marked by Pablo Maffeo

LaLiga brought with it plenty of goals this weekend, with the likes of Celta Vigo, Getafe, Espanyol and Real Betis rattling home four goals apiece.

So, let's take a look at who starred across 10 entertaining fixtures.

Real Madrid and Barcelona both picked up three points for their troubles, but it was elsewhere that impressed, with Sunday, in particular, throwing up a lot of high-scoring fixtures. Eibar conceded four, with Levante going against the grain of their usual organised performances by letting in the same in Seville.

Valencia triumphed in a hard-fought contest against Real Sociedad, while Fran Escriba lost his job after Villarreal were roundly trounced. Entertainment and goals were certainly at an unprecedented high outside of the big two.

Real Madrid CF v Celta Vigo - La Liga
Ruben Blanco made a good impression in between the sticks

Goalkeeper: Ruben Blanco (Celta Vigo)

The young Spaniard made his first start of LaLiga's season, and did not look out of place. Ruben Blanco notched a clean sheet for his trouble, showing very safe hands and particularly neat kicking as Celta defeated Eibar 4-0.

Sergio Alvarez's distribution has been a point of contention this season, with his fledging deputy looking to be a possible solution to the problem.

Defender: Pablo Maffeo (Girona)

Picked up the headlines this weekend for his man-marking job on Barcelona star Lionel Messi. The Manchester City loanee followed his opponent like a shadow, ensuring that he did not have the usual impact on the game that he'd normally like.

It hampered Maffeo's usual tendencies to race forward down the right flank, but he was a nuisance for Barca to try and counter.

Defender: Aissa Mandi (Real Betis)

Aided Real Betis to a rare clean sheet on Monday evening against Levante, who have proven to be a real stumbling block for plenty of strong LaLiga teams so far this season.

Ensured that Alex Alegria had an anonymous return to the Benito Villamarin. Solid in the air throughout, and threw his body weight about for good measure.

Defender: Antunes (Getafe)

Went into the weekend facing the challenge of one of the division's more in-form wide men: Samu Castillejo. After giving the Villarreal forward a bit of rough treatment, and using his strength well to get goal side of the ball nicely, it was tough to see why Getafe would have been worried.

Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid - La Liga
Dani Ceballos was the man of the moment for Real Madrid

Midfielder: Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)

It didn't take long for Dani Ceballos to make an impact for Real Madrid, with the former Betis midfielder netting two vital goals in a narrow 2-1 win over struggling Deportivo Alaves. The Spaniard popped up twice in the right place at the right time to slot home two low finishes, highlighting a confidence that will go a long way at Los Blancos.

Midfielder: Goncalo Guedes (Valencia)

Used his pace and power to brilliant effect down the left-hand side for Valencia, as Marcelino's men edged a 3-2 contest at the Anoeta against Real Sociedad. Picked out two lovely assists, after driving to the byline. Continues to look like he will be a vital part of Los Che's counter-attacking machine during the remainder of the LaLiga season.

Midfielder: Pione Sisto (Celta Vigo)

Picked out two assists for Celta in Ipurua, as a bizarre game saw Unzue's men make the most of set pieces in a 4-0 victory. The Denmark international also fortuitously saw a long-range free-kick bounce straight into the back of the net without a teammate touching it, to add an extra sparkle to his performance. Bright and lively down the left, always keen to beat a man and use his pace.

Midfielder: Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Stepped up to the mark after some disappointing collective performances from Atletico Madrid so far this season in LaLiga. Helped to control play from central midfield, acting as a fulcrum for a much more fluid and exciting Atleti to revolve around.

Showed personality and positivity with his passing range, and appeared to have some freedom to get forward when he liked.

Real Madrid CF v Athletic Club - La Liga
Inaki Williams is finding his goalscoring feet in LaLig

Forward: Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Popped up with two goals, which didn't prove quite enough for Athletic Bilbao to overcome ten-man Malaga at La Rosaleda. A finishing touch was missing from the youngster's game last season, but his finishes this weekend didn't leave anything to be desired. Williams' form has been excellent so far, and looks absolutely vital to Kuko Ziganda's plans for Los Leones.

Forward: Angel (Getafe)

Netted a brace for Getafe, as the Madrid-based club put Villarreal to the sword with an unexpected 4-0 scoreline. The experienced striker was very spatially aware in the area, pouncing on two occasions to nod his side further into the lead. It was something of a surprise to see Angel included on the weekend, but he proven that he can still contribute at the highest level.

Forward: Diego Rolan (Malaga)

Showed positive signs on his debut last Tuesday, and followed that performance up with two goals against Athletic Bilbao. The Uruguay international is pacy, skilful, and showed at La Rosaleda that he is sharp enough to find the back of the net too. If Michel's men are to turn things around and clamber out of the relegation zone quickly, Rolan will be key to that push.

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