La Liga Team of the Year

After an amazing title race, a nerve-wrecking relegation battle and fight for European spots, all that is left is to hand out the end of season awards. As always the team of the year will raise debate. Atletico Madrid had an amazing season and so any combined team would feature plenty of their stars. But, it wasn’t only at the Madrid club where players shone.

Goalkeeper:

Keylor Navas, Levante

Thibaut Courtois had a great year and won the Zamora award but we expected a big season from him. The Costa Rican, Navas, was a relative unknown at the start of the season but still managed to surprise La Liga by keeping 15 clean sheets and pulling off some of the best saves of the season. Expected to move in the summer.

Defence:

Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid

Real Madrid re-signed the former Canterano last summer as they looked to resolve their right-back issues. Still only 22, his return saw brought two goals and two assists and he can only get better. Looks set to be Spain’s first choice right-back in the future.

Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid

When he first signed for the club it looked like the curse of Atleti had struck again: A good defender turned bad. But, under Diego Simeone, he has found the form that had Europe’s top club fighting for his signature. Also scored the goal that won Atleti the title.

Aymeric Laporte, Athletic Bilbao

A toss-up between Miranda and the Athletic centre-back. The France defender is still only 19 but was key as his club finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League. Can play in the centre and on the left, still a lot to learn but one already making a name for himself.

Filipe Luis, Atletico Madrid

Felipe Scolari may have ignored him but La Liga attackers and defences couldn’t. Solid at the back but it was his attacking prowess that made Filipe stand out. He linked up well with Koke and Arda Turan and was a constant threat down the left wing. Key to Atletico’s title success.

Midfield:

Angel Di Maria, Real Madrid

Gareth Bale had a strong case but the Argentine pips him here. Many thought the Di Maria would be on his way out but he knuckled down and became a pivotal player for Real Madrid. Finished the season with four goals and 17 assists.

Gabi, Atletico Madrid

The 30-year-old is one of La Liga’s most under-rated midfielders but Atletico’s captain fantastic led from the front this season. Deadly from set pieces and constantly organising from the middle, he finished the season with three goals, eight assists and the title in his arms.

Ivan Rakitic, Sevilla

The Croatian was always a class player but this season he really stepped up and led by example when Sevilla struggled to kick start their season. With 12 goals and 10 assists there were some games where it was impossible to play against him.

Koke, Atletico Madrid

Still only 22, the Atleti canterano went from strength to strength this season. He played on the right, the left and also in the centre. He provided six goals and 13 assists and has worked his way into the Spain side. Some say he is a natural successor for Xavi Hernandez. Time will tell.

Forwards:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Not a great season for his club in the League but for Ronaldo on a personal level, it was another brilliant campaign. Won the Ballon D’Or in January and there is nothing to suggest he won’t do so again next year. Finished top scorer in La Liga with 31 goals and nine assists.

Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid

After a nomadic life in La Liga and playing second fiddle to another forward time and time again, Costa had the chance this season to step out of the shadows. With Radmael Falcao gone, Atletico needed a world-class forward and Costa took on the role, scoring 27 goals. The only blot on his copybook? Penalties.

La Liga - Club News