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The 2016/17 La Liga season has been extremely exciting and eventful so far. Not surprisingly, the list is dominated by players from the top 3 La Liga sides – Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. While the identity of the teams on this list are not much of a surprise, the players and their positions on this list will definitely rustle a few feathers.
Forwards perhaps predictably dominate this list while there are a couple of central midfielders as well while only one defender makes this list. What is most surprising perhaps is the fact that League leaders, Real Madrid have no players in the top 3. However, Zidane’s men will perhaps take solace from the fact that Real Madrid are the team with most players in the top 10.
Without much ado, let us take a look at the 10 best players in La Liga this season according to ratings:
[Note: The ranking has been done based on the average whoscored.com rating of the footballer during the course of the season, wherein only league football stats have been considered.]
#10 Asier Illaramendi (Rating 7.33) – Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have had another impressive campaign in 2016/17. Currently sitting in 7th, La Real have an opportunity to finish as high as 5th if results go their way on the final day of the season. While the team as a whole has performed well, the star of the show is undoubtedly former Real Madrid star Asier Illaramendi.
The 27-year-old midfielder has really matured this season and his performances this season have shown time and again that he is one of the best (If not 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 6 man of the match awards so far. The Spaniard will be hoping to continue his good performances next season.
#9 James Rodriguez (Rating 7.33) – Real Madrid
The future of James Rodriguez has been subject to intense speculation, but based on this rating and his impressive stats, it is perhaps prudent for Zidane to hold on to his star man for another season.
Often left on the bench, the Colombian superstar has just managed 21 appearances in the League this season with only 13 of them being starts. However, James has been extremely effective whenever he has played for Los Blancos.
8 goals and 6 assists this season have helped Real Madrid to win points in some crucial encounters. While the likes of Ronaldo, Kroos, Bale and Modric will always grab the headlines, should Madrid win the League title, James’ contribution cannot be underestimated.
One thing to be kept in mind though is that James’ impressive performances in the League have often come up against the so-called ‘smaller’ teams and this is perhaps the reason why Zidane does not start the Colombian more often.
#8 Antoine Griezmann (Rating 7.35) – Atletico Madrid
Undoubtedly the biggest star in Diego Simeone’s fighting Atletico Madrid side, Antoine Griezmann has not been as impressive as he was last season. Struggling in the initial parts of the season, the Frenchman started showing his class ever since the turn of 2017.
With 16 goals this season, Griezmann is the 5th highest scorer in the League and his goals and performances, especially in the second half of the season, have ensured that the Rojiblancos will finish 3rd and qualify directly for the Champions League group stage.
Not only has the Frenchman scored goals, he has also contributed with 7 assists making him one of the most valuable players in the League this season. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but Atletico Madrid will be determined to keep one of La Liga’s best players for at least another season.
#7 Gareth Bale (Rating 7.49) – Real Madrid
A slightly surprising name on this list is perhaps Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale. The Welshman has struggled with fitness this season and his form recently has also not been anything to take note of. However, one must keep in mind that these ratings have been given based on the whole season’s performances.
At his best, the Welsh speedster is capable of taking on the opposition single-handedly with his blistering pace and technical ability. In the initial stages of the season, Bale was very close to his best and regularly provided match winning performances for his team.
Injuries soon caught up though and Bale has failed to light up the League since March. The Real Madrid star has made only 19 appearances this season but he has been effective more often than not when he has played.
Although limited in his appearances, Bale has played an important role in Madrid’s likely league triumph.
#6 Filipe Luis (Rating 7.55) – Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side is renowned for its defence and the most consistent defender for this side has been Filipe Luis this season. The left-back has been solid throughout putting in some match winning performances and bombing up and down the flanks tirelessly.
The 31-year-old has not been afraid to get his hands dirty and it is seen from the fact that the Atletico Madrid man has the third highest number of successful tackles in the League this season. Not only has Luis been extremely dependable in defence, his attacking contribution has been top notch this season with the Brazilian having 6 assists to his name.
Luis’ importance to the Rojiblancos can be seen from the fact that he has an incredible 6 man of the match awards and is rated higher than Antoine Griezmann. While the likes of Griezmann, Saul, Carrasco and Koke grab all the headlines, Luis is undoubtedly the soul of Diego Simeone’s warrior Atletico Madrid side.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Rating 7.60) – Real Madrid
Undoubtedly one of the two best footballers in the world at the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo has again proved to us this season as to why he will go down as one of the all time greats. Having been used intelligently by Zidane this campaign, Ronaldo has surprisingly made only 28 appearances with the Frenchman opting to play his talisman only in crucial matches,
Ronaldo’s contributions have as usual been exemplary. 24 goals and 6 assists make him one of the most decisive players in the League and his willingness to help out his team this season has really been refreshing to see.
Playing in multiple positions (on the left and through the centre) and adapting to his new role, Ronaldo has remodelled his game excellently to keep himself at the very top. The Portuguese superstar would have undoubtedly been much higher on this list had he played more, but I am sure Ronaldo will be more than happy that his team are on the verge of a historic double.
#4 Toni Kroos (Rating 7.67) – Real Madrid
Probably Real Madrid’ s most consistent player this season, Toni Kroos has arguably taken his game to new heights ever since he made the switch to Madrid from Bayern Munich. Calm, composed and always assured on the ball, Kroos is the conductor in the midfield who pulls the strings for the Spanish giants.
One of the best players in La Liga this season, the German has 12 assists so far and an incredible passing accuracy of 92%. Capable of picking out passes and spraying the ball across the field, the midfield maestro has been integral to Madrid’s impressive performances in the League.
Easily the best midfielder in La Liga at the moment, Kroos has completely outshone some illustrious names like Luka Modric, Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic with his performances. Real Madrid will be hoping that the German pass master continues to perform at this very high level for many more seasons to come.
#3 Luis Suarez (Rating 7.81) – Barcelona
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez might not have looked at his best this season, but there is no point arguing with his numbers. Second highest goalscorer on the list with 28 goals and the highest number of assists in the league as well with 13, Suarez has shown that he is always capable of making a difference in the attacking third of the pitch.
Tenacious, skilled and extremely determined, the Uruguayan sharpshooter has often shown that he is the best striker in world football at the moment. Having formed an excellent partnership with Messi and Neymar, Suarez has often been the difference between a win and draw for Luis Enrique’s side.
Supremely effective and a player capable of regularly producing something out of nothing, Suarez has once again shown that he is one of the best players not just in La Liga but the world. All this has come in a season where he has not been at his best and the former Liverpool striker will be determined to take his game to even greater heights next season.
#2 Lionel Messi (Rating 8.46) – Barcelona
What can be said about Messi that the world already does not know? The Argentine maestro gave us the most iconic image of the season when he celebrated the winner against Real Madrid in a pulsating Clasico by holding his shirt aloft to the supporters.
That moment has just been one among the many magic moments the Barcelona legend has given us to savour this season. Top of the pichichi standings with an incredible 35 goals, Messi has shown a ruthless streak in his game this season which has made him even more dangerous.
Not afraid to get physical and take the game by the scruff of the neck, Messi has once again evolved his game in this campaign. Although his team might not end up winning the League title, Messi has certainly done enough to show that he is undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best) players in world football.
#1 Neymar (Rating 8.52) – Barcelona
Barcelona superstar Neymar is the best footballer in La Liga this season according to the ratings. Although the Brazilian has not had the same goalscoring return as last year, Neymar has contributed in many other ways to the overall play.
Supremely skilled on the ball, Neymar has often provided the creativity and incisiveness needed to unlock stubborn defences. While 13 goals and 11 assists might sound like modest numbers when compared to those of Messi, Suarez and Ronaldo, his overall impact on the team has been extremely impressive.
Neymar himself felt that this has been his best season at Barcelona:
"This is a great season for me," Neymar said to France Football. "I even think I have had my best season since I arrived here. I do not know if I have reached a new level, it is hard to have that judgement when you are on the pitch.
"I have always had the same role from my arrival until today – it has not changed. I have always taken responsibility on this team and everyone knows their role."
If Neymar continues performing at this level, we might well see the Brazilian fulfil his destiny and win the Ballon d’Or trophy this year.
