'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
La Liga 2021-22 is turning out to be a roller-coaster ride so far due to its extremely competitive nature. The Spanish top flight has been full of twists and turns, with no clear favorites emerging as league leaders so far.
At the top of the La Liga table are Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad with 17 points after eight league matches. Sevilla sit in fourth place with 14 points but with a game in hand. If they manage to win their next game, all four sides will be inseparable at the top of the La Liga table.
The only surprise is FC Barcelona languishing at the 9th place in the league with just 12 points. The Catalan giants have managed just two wins in their last five in La Liga and succumbed to a 2-0 loss against Atletico Madrid in their previous encounter. Real Madrid were also handed a shock 2-1 defeat by Espanyol on their last matchday, unable to maintain the lead at the top.
Evidently, there are some footballers who have stood out and made their mark early in the season. Let's take a look at the
The 5 standout players in La Liga so far this season
#5 Jose Gimenez - Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are known for having the strongest defense in La Liga They conceded the least number of goals in their triumphant campaign last season. This campaign has been no different, with Jose Gimenez leading the defensive side of things for the Los Rojiblancos. Diego Simeone's side have conceded just six goals in eight La Liga games, with Gimenez playing a pivotal part.
His presence creates a sense of calm in an organized Atletico side. The defender is good in the air, ruthless with his tackles and excellent at closing spaces for opponents. With Savic and the talented Hermoso beside him, Gimenez looks as strong as ever in the current La Liga campaign.
The Uruguayan's defensive prowess makes him one of the best players in Simeone's squad. It goes without saying that he will be the key to Atletico going forward this season.
#4 Marcos Acuna - Sevilla
Marcos Acuna has been a revelation for Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla in the current La Liga campaign. The 29-year old has been the best left-back in the Spanish top flight without a doubt.
Acuna has been rock solid at the back for Sevilla, helping the Spanish side keep four clean sheets in seven league matches. The Argentine's exploits meant that Sevilla have conceded just three goals in the current La Liga campaign which is the joint least so far this season. Their current defense is a cause for envy for all the other sides and Acuna's role in it cannot be neglected.
#3 Vinicius Junior - Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior is enjoying the best start to his career. The Brazilian youngster is third in the La Liga scoring charts with five goals in eight league appearances. In addition to netting five goals, Real Madrid's second-best forward has also provided three assists so far.
The 21-year-old has gelled well with veteran Karim Benzema upfront, resulting in a better output than the previous campaign already. Vinicius' energy on the left flank and his penchant for taking on defenders have meant he has been one of the bright spots for Los Blancos so far.
Vinicius' seven-goal contribution came in first six La Liga matches this season. The Brazilian would like to improve his performances after faring poorly in the last two games.
#2 Mikel Oyarzabal - Real Sociedad
Emerging as a surprise contender for the Pichichi award, Oyarzabal's exploits have propelled Real Sociedad to fight for top spot in La Liga. The Spanish forward has been ultra reliant in front of goal, bagging six goals and one assist in the campaign so far.
The 24-year-old has managed to constantly create problems for the opposition on the flanks with his caliber. Oyarzabal's dazzling runs down the left and his ability to find space have been crucial to Real Sociedad's early success in La Liga. The winger's passing range is also exquisite and his overall game makes him a threat to be reckoned with.
It remains to be seen whether Oyarzabal can keep up his good form and carry Sociedad's attack throughout the campaign,
#1 Karim Benzema - Real Madrid
With a whopping 16 goal contributions in eight league games, Karim Benzema is not just the best player in La Liga but the best forward in Europe. The French forward has been in explosive form, bagging nine goals and seven assists already in La Liga so far. He has the most goal contributions by any player in Europe's top five leagues thus far
With the likes of Vinicius and Eden Hazard up front, Benzema is firing on all cylinders early into the season. The striker's form has been the key for Los Blancos in their success in holding onto the top spot in the league so far. Benzema managed to deliver in front of goal, while being equally dangerous in creating chances for his teammates.
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman can carry his scintillating form throughout the campaign. Benzema's current standards are so high that it will be difficult to match, even for himself, on a consistent basis.
