At one stage of the season it looked like nothing could stop the Carlo Ancelotti-led Real Madrid train on its path to glory but Barcelona turned things round and were worthy champions. It was a season when more than one player stepped up. It was also one with some great new arrivals and revivals. So without further ado, the La Liga Team of the Season is:
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
Many felt that Victor Valdes’ boots would be too big for the former Real Sociedad man but the Chilean not only made his presence known but also broke a few records along the way. Bravo was kept on his toes with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen watching from the bench but wasn’t deterred and proved a worthy winner of the Zamora award.
Defence: Dani Alves (Barcelona)
It’s probably the Brazilian’s final season and in the past few days he has gone on the record with some comments that will not be well received by those at the club but still, Alves had a great season out on the right and at times looked like he was at his peak.
Defence: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Many have gone for Gerard Pique but the Uruguayan marshalled a defence that conceded just eight more than Barca – this after losing Courtois and Filipe Luis at the back from last season. He also had to deal with constant changes of central partner but knuckled down and led by example.
Defence: Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia)
One of the stars of the season. Bought back in January 2014 but loaned out. Made his La Liga debut last August, took to Spanish football like a duck to water and was pivotal to Valencia’s return to Champions League football.
Defence: Jose Luis Gaya (Valencia)
Many a club are tripping over themselves to get Gaya in the summer and after seeing him this season, nobody is wondering why. Los Che had a great campaign and are back in Europe’s elite competition and with Gaya’s help down the wing.
Midfield: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Many felt that Florentino Perez had overpaid for the Colombian and some were angry that Angel Di Maria made way for him but as the season progressed, the former Monaco man showed just how important he could be and when he was injured, Los Blancos looked lost.
Midfield: Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla)
What happens when you lose your captain to Barca? Well, you turn to France and sign a bargain like Grzegorz Krychowiak. Not a like for like replacement for Ivan Ratikic but he still helped fans get over the loss of the Croatian. A rock in the middle of the park and key in a great season for Los Nervionenses.
Midfield: Dani Parejo (Valencia)
When he was sent to Queens Park Rangers on loan a few years ago, many expected Parejo to rock the Premier League. It didn’t happen that way and after some time at Getafe, he joined Valencia in 2011.He really had a season for the books this year and is knocking on the national side’s door.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Amazing that after scoring 48 goals and providing 14 assists, this is seen as a bad year for the Ballon D’Or winner. Started the season off with a bang but since winning football’s biggest individual prize, he has somewhat gone off the boil and many are starting to wonder for how long he can continue to be Real Madrid’s lead man.
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
What can be said that hasn’t already been said? It may have taken him a while to get going this season, but that was to be expected after only a short break after the World Cup. Scoring 43 goals, supplying 18 assists and breaking another few records, Messi is surely the favourite for next year’s Ballon D’or and was named Football Espana’s Player of the Season.
Forward: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Neymar and Luis Suarez may have had great seasons but neither was as influential for their club as the Frenchman was. Came in to fill a huge gap left by Diego Costa and ended up supplying 33% of Atleti’s goals. Griezmann enjoyed a great debut season for Atletico and Atleti will have to pull out all the stops to keep him.
