It’s been another compelling season in La Liga.
So much has been written about the stars, the surprises and the setbacks.
So much has been written about the financial levers one club used to return to the top domestically and the staying power of another whose campaign – despite featuring three trophy successes – may not even be sufficient to keep their manager in post.
Despite the dominance of the usual duopoly, a number of players from other clubs also feature on the radar in my team of the season for they have created La Liga 2023 highlights consistently.
How does your XI compare?
Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
He was one of the best performers in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea and remains one of Europe’s best custodians in Madrid.
His contribution in last season’s Champions League Final was further proof of that and he has remained at the top of his game during 2022-23.
Jules Kounde – Barcelona
Kounde is a player who slotted seamlessly into the back line at Barca following his move from Sevilla last summer.
In Catalonia, the central defender has been used more often at right back, at times to his frustration. Across the backline, though, he has played a part in their successful title campaign.
Eder Militao – Real Madrid
It has been suggested the Brazilian’s form has dipped in recent weeks. If that is the case, perhaps it’s understandable given they have had little to play for other than the runners-up spot.
That he has been a regular for Carlo Ancelotti, and that no Real defender has started more games this term, tells you it all, though.
Fran Garcia – Rayo Vallecano
This player will be a teammate of Militao next season. They have announced their first signing of the window with the left-back re-joining the capital giants from Rayo Vallecano three years after departing.
He has been a consistent and reliable figure for the mid-table Basque club.
Brais Mendez – Real Sociedad
Another Basque club, another inclusion. Mendez has helped pull the stings for Sociedad this season who have now qualified for the Champions League for the first time in a decade.
He could easily have been joined by another couple of teammates in my team of the season.
Aleix García – Girona
Their Euro dreams may have been damaged during the final month of the campaign but their midfield magician did as much as anyone to get them into that lofty position.
Girona have picked up some notably excellent results, including a sensational 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, as well as goalless draw at the Nou Camp.
Let’s not forget, this season was only their third in the top division of Spanish football in their entire history, and it’s been a real success.
Gabri Veiga – Celta Vigo
They are not safe from relegation, at least not yet, but they may have been down and out but for a player who has enjoyed a breakthrough season for his boyhood club.
Rumours suggest he may be about to leave La Liga for the English Premier League and Newcastle United. If he does depart, Celta Vigo fans will appreciate his impact, which include nine league goals and four assists.
His performances have caught the attention of clubs across Europe with many recognising his potential as a top quality attacking midfielder. Veiga’s journey from Celta’s academy to a first-team breakthrough showcases his determination and improvement.
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
This Frenchman would have escaped my attention until I looked at his statistics.
I must admit I thought his best days were behind him but, under his old mentor Diego Simeone, he has once again found his feet.
Griezmann’s 13 league goals and 14 assists are why Atletico Madrid sit comfortably in third place and yet another season in the Champions League awaits – more impressive when you remember that he began the season on the bench thanks to Atletico’s row with Barca over the terms of a permanent transfer.
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
La Liga’s leading marksman and someone who would have been in the top two if SBOTOP La Liga 2023 betting odds existed for likely top scorers.
Having already netted 23 goals with a game remaining, the Poland captain appeared in 32 Spanish top-flight games and was also responsible for seven assists.
In the process, he became the joint third quickest to reach 20 goals in the competition in the 21st century after Julio Baptista in 2004 (30 matches), Radamel Falcao in 2012 (26), and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010 (24).
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
If the reigning world player of the year is about to move on this summer, 14 years after he joined from Lyon, then he will bow out a true club hero.
Benzema has also reportedly spoken to former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo about a move to Saudi Arabia with the Portuguese already plying his trade in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr.
At the age of 35, a final big payday would make economic sense for someone who has nothing to prove football wise. Still a prolific talent and second in the La Liga scoring charts this term.
Vinicius – Real Madrid
Even when not on top form, he is always a threat and a popular figure as shown by the reception he received after being on receiving end of recent abhorrent abuse.
The 22 year-old Brazilian has tormented many teams this season.
In the Champions League alone, he bowed out with seven goals and five assists. Although Real Madrid went out in the final four. Vinicius will remain the third-joint top scorer in the competition this term. His domestic performances have been topnotch too with 10 goals and 10 assists.
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