LaLiga: 3 most valuable players right now

Messi is the best player in LaLiga, is he the most valuable?
Messi is the best player in LaLiga, is he the most valuable?

LaLiga is one of the most prestigious and anticipated football leagues in the world. It consists of 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation of the three lowest placed team to the Segunda Division or LaLiga 2. Since its inception in 1929, it has seen 63 teams competing, with Real Madrid winning the title a record of 33 times.

Unsurprisingly, also in LaLiga, the list of most expensive players is dominated by forwards and midfielders. Thus the most valuable player right now playing in LaLiga is at a market value of €180 million which we will reveal later on the list.

Ahead of January transfer window, we have listed the top 3 most valuable players right now still playing in LaLiga according to the stats from transfermarkt.


3. Philippe Coutinho (FC Barcelona) - €150 million

Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian playmaker established himself as a world-class striker during his time with Liverpool in the Premier League and earned himself the nickname "Magician" from Liverpool fans and teammates joined the Merseyside club in 2013 from Inter Milan at a transfer fee of just €13 million.

However, his 152 Premier League games for Liverpool with 41 goals scored in four seasons brought the attention of FC Barcelona who signed him in January this year at an eye-watering fee of £142 million, and he is currently the third most valuable player in LaLiga. Since his arrival, he has been a successful replacement of Andrés Iniesta, and has played a total of 29 LaLiga games and scored 12 goals.

Still only 26 years old, Coutinho is one of the most wanted players in the world. Blessed with great skill, amazing dribbling skill, and stunning long-range shooting skills, the Brazilian will be one of the main pillars for Barcelona and Brazil.

2. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) - €150 million

Antonie Griezmann during a Champions League game
Antonie Griezmann during a Champions League game

One of the most complete forwards in world football, Antoine Griezmann is undoubtedly the jewel in Atletico Madrid's crown. The French attacker scored 19 goals for Atletico Madrid in LaLiga last season and was instrumental in Diego Simeone's squad winning the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.

The French superstar along with his teammates Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe has blown away opposition defences and made France a real force to be reckoned with especially after winning the recently concluded World Cup. His performance in the World Cup was excellent as he scored a total of four goals, and won the Bronze ball as the third best player in the tournament behind Eden Hazard with the Silver ball and Luka Modric with the Golden Ball.

Thus, with a €150 million market valuation, it makes him the second most expensive LaLiga player beating the likes of Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio.

1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) - €180 million

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

The one and only Lionel Messi is the most valuable player right now in LaLiga with a market value of €180 million. That kind market value seems justified for someone who is capable of winning matches single-handedly and take Barcelona to the next level year after year.

The Argentine superstar has been one of the best performers for Barcelona in LaLiga since his debut with the senior team in the 2004- 2005 season. The five-times Ballon d'Or winner is also the all-time top scorer in LaLiga with 392 goals from 428 games.

His phenomenal 2017-2018 season with Barcelona led them to lift their 25th LaLiga title and dozens of individual accolades to his name, including the European Golden Shoe and the Pichichi award.

However, with all his achievements in Barcelona, Messi is still one of the best strikers in LaLiga and world football at the moment.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.