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The 2018-19 La Liga season has come to an end with Barcelona winning their 26th and second successive league title.
The Blaugrana, who had earlier wrapped up the title, finished on 87 points from their 38 matches - with Atletico Madrid finishing a distant second, 11 points off while arch-rivals Real were a further eight points adrift on 68. Here, we take a look at the league's five best central midfielders this past season:
#5 Rodri - Atletico Madrid
The midfield metronome at Atletico, Rodrigo Hernandez has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano. The 22-year-old has been ever-present in their midfield this term, starring under Diego Simeone's guidance.
With 34 appearances (32 starts) in the league this campaign, he averaged three tackles, two clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game. Rodri has also pitched in with three goals and an assist, averaging 0.8 shots, 0.6 dribbles and 0.5 key passes to boot.
However, it's his passing statistics that set the bar high with an average pass success rate of 91.1% and 56.7 passes per game. His consistent displays have seen him linked with Manchester City, as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho under Pep Guardiola's tutelage.
#4 Arthur Melo - Barcelona
The man many believe to be the successor to Xavi Hernandez's throne at Barcelona, Arthur Melo has continued from where he left off at Gremio. After a slow start, some substitute appearances and an eventual increase in minutes, the 22-year-old has cemented himself as a key figure in Barca's midfield.
The Brazilian international averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.3 clearances and 0.2 interceptions, but his passing stats stood out - an average completion rate of 93.5%, averaging 47.5 passes per match.
However, he will need to improve his stats in the final third, averaging just 0.5 key passes, 0.4 dribbles and 0.2 shots per game. With one assist to his name in 27 league appearances (19 starts), he impressed but perhaps the most promising thing is that there's plenty of scope for him to improve further as he continues gaining experience.
#3 Giovani Lo Celso - Real Betis
Giovani Lo Celso has finally come to the fore, having been relegated to the bench at Paris-Saint Germain. The Argentine international joined Real Betis on-loan this term, before they triggered an option to buy the 23-year-old back in April.
The attacking midfielder has played an instrumental role, particularly during the first-half of the campaign and their Copa del Rey semi-final run. With 32 appearances (27 starts) in Spain's top-flight this term, he averaged two shots and dribbles, as well as 0.8 key passes per match.
Equally capable defensively, he averaged 1.6 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 0.3 clearances per game. He netted nine goals and created four assists in the league, with a pass completion rate of 83% - proving his worth on a consistent basis for Betis, who surpassed expectations and will be bracing themselves for big-money offers this summer.
#2 Santi Cazorla - Villarreal
A man reborn, Santi Cazorla has defied the odds after losing two years of his footballing career to long-term injuries - which caused doctors to suggest amputation of his leg. The former Arsenal man has been a key figure for Villarreal, whose collective poor form almost resulted in relegation from Spain's top division.
The 34-year-old has been ever-present in their midfield, making 35 league appearances (30 starts), averaging two shots, 0.8 interceptions and 0.4 clearances per game.
His creative statistics though prove why the Gunners kept faith in him for so long, despite being plagued with troublesome injuries. He netted four goals and created ten assists in the league, averaging 2.1 key passes and 1.4 completed dribbles per game. As a result, his fine individual displays have seen Luis Enrique return to Spain's senior squad after a four-year absence.
#1 Dani Parejo - Valencia
After years of being overshadowed by the golden generation of Spanish midfielders, Dani Parejo is finally getting the attention he duly deserves. The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in Valencia's return to the Champions League this term, while winning the Copa del Rey with a slender win over Barcelona last week.
The former Real man made 36 league appearances (35 starts), averaging 1.2 shots, one dribble and 2.3 key passes per match. He didn't deviate from his defensive responsibilities either: averaging two tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per game too.
He netted nine goals and created seven assists in the league, showing his class when called upon and leading by example while doing so.
