La Liga Team of the Season so far

A look at the stand-out players in Spain this campaign

Goalkeeper

Diego Lopez (Villarreal) - Both Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes have conceded less goals, but Diego Lopez remains one of the most consistently brilliant glovesmen in the division, and has been a fundamental reason behind the Yellow Submarines' thoroughly impressive start to the season.

Furthermore, he sees far more action than his contenders, making 108 stops in his 16 matches, as opposed to Valdes’ 68 and Casillas’ 73. He makes crucial saves at key times, and it is little wonder that the likes of Arsenal are thought to have been monitoring his performances closely.

Defenders
Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
The captain has been truly inspirational for the champions in every conceivable manner. As a motivator he has been beyond reproach as Barca look even better than the treble-winning side of 2008-09, and has also been the finest component of a defence that has conceded just nine league goals.

Puyol consistently gives everything for the cause, and what he lacks in refinement he more than makes up for in bravery and a desire to ensure that success continues to flow towards the Nou Camp.

Ricardo Carvalho (Real Madrid)

Eyebrows were raised when Jose Mourinho swooped for the Portuguese defender in his advancing years, but even his staunchest critics must admit that the presence of the former Chelsea stopper has been integral to Real's impressive defensive record.

An injury to Raul Albiol in pre-season allowed the 32-year-old to stabilise himself alongside Pepe at the heart of the back four, and he has not disappointed, proving to be secure, reliable, and an old head in what is an extremely youthful Madrid side.

Juan Forlin (Espanyol)

Before the weekend defeat to Barcelona, Espanyol had conceded just twice in seven matches, and the Argentine Forlin has been a fundamental reason behind their surprising rise into Champions League contention.

The 22-year-old has been a tower of strength for Mauricio Pochettino’s team, forming a partnership with Victor Ruiz, and Espanyol may find it difficult to hold onto a player that already appears accomplished despite his young age.

Midfielders
Santi Cazorla (Villarreal)

The Spanish international missed the World Cup due to a back problem, but he has returned to action in blistering style for both club and country. His guile and creativity from superb have been a revelation, and his return to form has coincided with the Yellow Submarines’ march to third spot in the table.

Coming in off the wing, his link-up play with strike pairing Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar has been almost Barcelona-esque, and if coach Juan Carlos Garrido can keep the 26-year-old in the same standard of form he has shown in the first half of the season, then a Champions League spot is a very real possibility.

Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
A number of Real Madrid’s summer signings have settled well; Mesut Oezil started the season superbly, but his form post-Clasico has dipped slightly. However, young Argentine Di Maria has been consistently key in Real remaining in the hunt of champions Barcelona.

Five goals and five assists from 16 league matches highlights his involvement in the play, and his contribution has became integral. His weekend winner against Sevilla was perhaps his most vital act in the white jersey since his summer move from Benfica.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

While Xavi suffered post-World Cup injury concerns, Iniesta looks fitter than ever after struggling last season, and he has been the orchestrator of Barca as they reach new levels of brilliance.

The 26-year-old has never been the most prolific of contributors from midfield, but he has netted four goals already this season, and his level of understanding with Xavi, Lionel Messi and David Villa is now bordering on the telepathic. Collecting the Ballon d’Or next month would be a fitting end to what has been an astonishing year in the life of Iniesta.

Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)

The Basque midfielder has been one of the success stories of the season so far, producing consistently brilliant performers that have garnered praise from the likes of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Little was expected of the San Sebastian side upon their return to the top flight, and although Prieto stayed with the club during their seasons in the Segunda, it appears that he should have been playing at a higher level. His ball control, passing range and creativity in key areas has been a revelation, with four goals and six assists in 16 outings.

Strikers
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

The superlatives have almost ran dry when attempting to describe the genius of the diminutive Argentine. The fact that his genius is now taken for granted goes some way to explaining how utterly unplayable he has been on a regular basis for the Nou Camp giants this season.

He has racked up 27 goals already before the winter break, 17 of those in the league, and in the process has scored some majestic goals that for him, appear commonplace, but that no other player could score. His duel with Cristiano Ronaldo for the world’s best player still rages on, but for now, it could be argued that Messi has edged ahead with a near-perfect first half of the season.

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)
The Lion King has been prolific in a team outside of the Champions League challengers, and for that reason his 10 goals in 15 appearances is a hugely impressive haul, as his burgeoning reputation continues to send admirers to San Mames to assess his talents.

After a positive showing at the World Cup, Llorente has returned to Bilbao a confident young man, netting regularly and creating an all-round presence that is at times impossible to defend against. Should he maintain this form, it will be hugely difficult for Bilbao to hold onto him during the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
The Portuguese has been just as pivotal to the way in which Real play as Messi is to Barcelona, and CR7 has played with real intent this season, desperate to win his first silverware at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He has struck 17 league goals as Jose Mourinho’s side fight to stay in touch with Barca with each passing week, and his influence in the side cannot be underestimated. He remains their most important player, and he will need to produce a similar second half of the campaign in order to oust Barcelona from their pedestal.

Diego Lopez

Puyol - Carvalho - Forlin

Cazorla - Prieto - Iniesta - Di Maria

Messi - Llorente - Ronaldo