At its best, La Liga can throw the most entertaining seasons, and on the evidence so far, 2024/25 looks set to be no different.
Currently offering a three-horse title race, several teams in the hunt for European competition, and a relegation battle ready to continue in the second half of the season – this campaign could have it all.
Now coming out of the winter break, the three kings have achieved their gifts, but here we send flowers to those who have defined almost the first half of the campaign, with the team of the La Liga season so far.
GK – Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid
Goalkeepers are often a by-product of the entire defensive unit, acting as a backstop if the solid system up front is beaten. In the case of Atletico Madrid striker Jan Oblak, he is usually the difference as Diego Simeone's team look to break through those thin margins.
He is not very active, only facing an average of 3.06 shots per 90 minutes played, but he has the highest save percentage of anyone in the division (77.8%), just above Real Sociedad's outstanding Alex Remiro. In addition to his vigilance during the most dominant matches of the Athletes, he has shown immense stopping ability when tested often.
Barcelona did exactly that during the last match before the winter break, as they faced 1.89 expected goals, and conceded only one. His performance, and in particular the two late one-on-one saves from Raphinha and Pedri's late efforts – helped Atleti welcome Christmas in pole position in La Liga.
Notable mentions: Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).
RB – Oscar Mingueza – Celta Vigo
Few could have seen Oscar Mingueza's transition into one of the division's most attacking defenders. If you did, congratulations to you. However, he leads the way among defensemen for goal contributions in the division with five assists and one goal.
A real benefit of the 3-4-3 system of coach Claudio Giraldez, in which the tight front three of which suck play in the middle of the field. This leaves plenty of channel space for Mingueza and opposite wing Hugo Alvarez to exploit – and exploit they have.
Notable mentions: Jon Aramburu (Real Society)Jules Kounde (Barcelona).
CB – Dani Vivian – Athletic Club
La Liga is awash with sturdy, robust centre-halves, but Athletic Club's Dani Vivian stands out as the best this season.
His tactical shrewdness, positioning and awareness are qualities that far exceed what can be expected from a 25-year-old with just three full seasons in the top flight. Vivian stops Kylian MbappeAnd earlier in the campaign it was the perfect showcase of all these qualities.
Ernesto Valverde's outfit looks much better with him in the team, Vivian's fourth highest net during his appearances proves that (+0.45). The Spaniard will rule the defensive unit of Los Leones for years to come.
Notable mentions: Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid).
CB – Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona
Arguably the best passing central defender in the division, if not him then his partner, Inigo Martinez could take that accolade. Still only 17 years old, Pau Cubarsi has become a real point of promise for Hansi Flick.
Often found punching in line-breaking passes in midfield, or catching opposition structures unaware with quick changes – the youngster is the highest for medium-length passes (15-30 yards) among central defenders in the division
Cubarsi's journey from an emerging prospect to an ever-reliable leader in Barcelona's back-line is one to admire. He remains key to Barca's successes so far in 24/25.
Notable mentions: Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad), Inigo Martinez (Barcelona).
LB – Miguel Gutierrez – Girona
Creative and dynamic, left back Miguel Gutierrez has been an outstanding performer for Girona as they still aim to replicate last season's heights. At just 23 years old, he excels both as a reverse defender and an overlapping presence, showing his ability to be a creative force in any role.
A strong ball carrier with sharp decision in tight spaces, Gutierrez leads all defenders of the League in cross successes (5.74 p/90) and key passes (1.66 p/90), underlining his influence in the final third.
Given his impressive development last season and his continued impact this year, Real Madrid may be considering a reunion with their former player this summer, three years after letting him go.
Notable mentions: Sergi Cardona (Villarreal).
DM – Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedade
U the number six most wanted in EuropeMartin Zubimendi has continued to display the form that saw him reject interest from the likes of Liverpool in the summer. Real Sociedad's summer exit didn't help him either, leaving him to develop relationships with a contrasting midfield and defensive unit.
Often tasked with being the backstop for Imanol Alguacil's vigorous pressing routines while leaping forward, the 25-year-old has handled these chaotic moves exceptionally well this season. Zubimendi remains in the top 11% among midfielders for dribblers tackled, and in the top seven percent for combined tackles and interceptions.
Time will tell if Zubimendi stays at La Real, but rest assured, he stands out as the best defensive midfielder in the division.
Notable mentions: Marc Casado (Barcelona), Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid)Dario Essugo (Las Palmas).
WC – Alex Baena – Villarreal
Tessitura, defensive master Alex Baena is as tenacious as he is inventive, surpassing almost every creative midfield metric in La Liga.
Usually launched on the left of Villarreal's 4-4-2, Baena tends to drift infield to the half-space to link then Yellow Submarine's attacks. The 23-year-old leads the way for shot creation actions (6.99 p / 90), passes in the penalty area (2.75 p / 90), without penalties xG and xA.
Baena's four goals and five assists have pushed him into Luis de la Fuente's national team, and give him a place as the best creative midfielder in the division.
Notable mentions: Pedri (Barcelona), Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club).
CM – Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti's ever industrial choice in the center of the pitch, and occasionally on the right side of his defence, Federico Valverde is on course for another stellar season. Scoring five goals, all from outside the penalty area and a combined 0.70 xG – the Uruguayan's piledriver of a right boot has been useful for Los Blancos.
In addition to his goalscoring ability, Valverde adds forward flavor to an often disconnected Madrid outfit, and ranks in the top 10% of carries made by midfielders in the league. Not only that, the 26-year-old is there to clean up those tackles if they lose the ball – ranking in the top seven percent for dribblers tackled, and the top five percent for interceptions.
A true all-rounder, and a player who is transforming into a leadership figure in Ancelotti's dressing room, Valverde deserves his place in this XI.
Notable mentions: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Giovanni Lo Celso (Real Betis).
RW – Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
His injuries, and Barcelona's coincidental drops in form during these periods prove how important Lamine Yamal is to Flick's team. One of the most productive and dangerous dribblers in world football, the 17-year-old tries to embrace the touch line, before marauding towards the goal with the intention of creating.
Yamal welcomes the second half of the campaign as the highest assist in the league (nine), even after missing three league games due to injury. The La Masia product is in the top two percent for take-ons attempted, progressive passes received, attacking third touches and assists for 90 – magnificent.
Barcelona must feel like they hit the jackpot with him and Cubarsi both in their ranks at the same time.
Notable mentions: Inaki Williams (Athletic Club), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla).
ST – Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
His last month of slightly slower goalscoring exploits should not detract from Robert Lewandowski's early season form, which saw him fire into the Golden Boot with 16 goals.
Often found in deeper areas to create numerical advantages in Flick's system, the 36-year-old defies his age to then box and finish attacking moves.
His xG is still slightly understated (-1.58), which could lead to a decline in form during the second part of the season. But for now, Lewandowski starts the calendar year with a five-goal lead over his rivals.
Notable mentions: Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid).
LW – Ala – Barcelona
Raphinha has already surpassed his best creative season in the colors of Barcelona, capturing a combined 17 goals and assists. Rounding off a front dominated by Barca, the Brazilian has been a revelation for Flick's outfit.
He offers a consistent 'ball out' when his centre-backs are looking for those punching passes into the midfield, turning to suck their markers up the field. This is incredibly useful when doing a man-to-man pressing structure.
Second only to teammate Yamal for assists, Raphinha has created the most chances in the league (64), accompanied by the highest xA in the division – well worthy of a place in this side.
Notable mentions: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)Bryan Zaragoza (Health).
