{"id":526,"date":"2025-05-26T19:40:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T19:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/?p=526"},"modified":"2025-06-12T10:59:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T10:59:45","slug":"la-liga-team-of-the-season-4-barcelona-players-podium-places-and-honourable-mentions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/26\/la-liga-team-of-the-season-4-barcelona-players-podium-places-and-honourable-mentions\/","title":{"rendered":"La Liga Team of the Season: 4 Barcelona players, Podium Places and Honourable Mentions"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The curtain has closed on another La Liga season, and before the Nations League and the Club World Cup steal away the summer, it\u2019s time to ring up the accounts from the past year. Here is your La Liga Team of the Season.<\/em><\/p>\n

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia \u2013 Espanyol<\/h2>\n
\"Joan
Image via Cordon Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arguably one of the great goalkeeping seasons in 21st century La Liga history, when your Sporting Director and manager publicly declare that a significant portion of surviving in La Liga is down to you, it speaks volumes. The most saves in La Liga, the best saves in La Liga, and the most important saves in La Liga. Garcia looks bound for big things<\/a> \u2013 some of his performances will become mythical in Cornella.<\/p>\n

2. Augusto Batalla \u2013 Rayo Vallecano<\/h3>\n

Perhaps just as famous for his \u2018housery as his goalkeeping, but if anything that has distracted from just how good he has been for Rayo Vallecano. They have the seventh-best defence in La Liga, and that was in no small part down to his heroics on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n

3. Jan Oblak \u2013 Atletico Madrid<\/h3>\n

A toss-up with Thibaut Courtois, we had to have the Zamora winner on the podium. Oblak\u2019s season won\u2019t go down long in the memory, but he showed up in some big moments, before it all fell apart for Atletico Madrid, most notably at Montjuic against Barcelona in a 2-1 win.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Herrera<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Right-Back: Oscar Mingueza \u2013 Celta Vigo<\/h2>\n
\"Mingueza
Image via Cordon Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It might sound strange, but the closest thing La Liga has to Trent Alexander-Arnold \u2013 until next year. Played on the right, the left, as a wing-back, in a four and in midfield, Mingueza was moved around and like playmaker at the wrong end of the pitch, because that is what he was. Making his way into the Spain team, he\u2019s held onto his spot, and what he lacks defensively has shown up big for Celta going forward.<\/p>\n

2. Jules Kounde \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\n

The year Jules Kounde became a right-back by position and by profession. Kounde was good at right-back before, but any awkwardness was gone, and with Lamine Yamal ahead of him, got forward effectively too. As Deco has pointed out, often gets left two-on-one, but rarely looks out of his depth.<\/p>\n

3. Andrei Ratiu \u2013 Rayo Vallecano<\/h3>\n

Tall, quick and good on the ball, it\u2019s hard not to have a soft spot for a right-back that has a penchant for picking out the top corner. Ratiu\u2019s marauding has been crucial for Rayo this year, and he has made a name for himself.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Marcos Llorente, Valentin Rosier, Jon Aramburu<\/h4>\n

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Centre-Back: Dani Vivian \u2013 Athletic Club<\/h2>\n
Photo by Calciomercato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately sent off against Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final, Dani Vivian remains one of the reasons Athletic have returned to the Champions League for the first time in a decade. He\u2019s aggressive, quick, strong, good in the air, a good leader and smart in his reading of the game. A dream of a centre-back for any manager, Vivian is the most underrated Athletic star.<\/p>\n

2. Pau Cubarsi \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\n

Pau Cubarsi\u2019s form went through more blips this season than in his debut campaign, but it\u2019s all too easy to forget how good he has been on the whole. Adapted to the high line, he remains key on the ball to service Pedri, and despite conceding 39 Liga goals, Cubarsi had a strong season.<\/p>\n

3. Cesar Tarrega \u2013 Valencia<\/h3>\n

Gladiatorial, Cesar Tarrega is a little rougher around the edges than many defenders these days, and all the better for it. Valencia\u2019s revival in the second half of the season is down to players like Tarrega taking a step forward, and he is now the leader of Valencia\u2019s backline, alongside captain Jose Gaya.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Carl Starfelt, Eric Garcia (at one of his positions)<\/h4>\n

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Centre-Back: Inigo Martinez \u2013 Barcelona<\/h2>\n
\"Inigo
Image via EFE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So good they\u2019re renewing him twice. At 33 years of age, nobody imagined Inigo Martinez would be Barcelona\u2019s leader at the back this season, still less in a system this risky. The Basque warrior was the marshall of that Barcelona high line, and his absences made it very apparent how important he is. Five assists too.<\/p>\n

2. Omar Alderete \u2013 Getafe<\/h3>\n

Alongside Djakonam Djene, Omar Alderete was the leader of the joint-fourth best defence in the division \u2013 in a team that finished just two points above the drop. Football requires XI players to attack and defend, but no side in La Liga relied as heavily on the latter, and Alderete was the standout in their backline.<\/p>\n

3. Marc Bartra \u2013 Real Betis<\/h3>\n

Marc Bartra has always, rightly or wrongly, been regarded as a defender with a soft shell since leaving Barcelona, but the Real Betis revolution would not have been possible without him. As he has aged, he\u2019s become a leader for Manuel Pellegrini, and has held it together in a rotating cast at the back for Betis.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Florian Lejeune<\/h4>\n

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Left-Back: Miguel Gutierrez \u2013 Girona<\/h2>\n
\"Miguel
Image via Marca<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This might be a surprise choice, but in a team that was decent until January, then went into freefall, Miguel Gutierrez was one of the few that gave Girona a chance to regain their balance at times. Five assists and a pair of goals, with Michel Sanchez\u2019s midfield struggling, Gutierrez continued to play two positions this season, moving into midfield in possession, without the structure around him.<\/p>\n

2. Sergi Cardona \u2013 Villarreal<\/h3>\n

Despite some at times alarming defensive lapses, it is very hard to ignore seven La Liga assists for Sergi Cardona, the most of any defender in Spain. Cardona\u2019s timing and ability to find the right cross has improved this season, and became one of Villarreal\u2019s most incisive arms, with Alex Baena often leaving him alone on the left.<\/p>\n

3. Alejandro Balde \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\n

It is easy to remember that at the beginning of the season, Alejandro Balde was regarded as a problem starter for Barcelona. He has returned to his best this season, and like so many of his teammates under Hansi Flick. Raphinha played nominally on the left, and Balde was mature this year.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Diego Rico, Yuri Berchiche<\/h4>\n

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Midfielder: Isco \u2013 Real Betis<\/h2>\n
\"Isco
Image via Diario de la Escuadra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you can\u2019t fall in love with Isco playing football, it might not be the sport for you. His return from injury completely transformed Real Betis, both in terms of level and in their style of play. Running the game against former side Real Madrid, ending their hoodoo against Sevilla and directing matters on the way to a first European final. Isco is in the process of being deified in Andalusia.<\/p>\n

2. Oihan Sancet \u2013 Athletic Club<\/h3>\n

A little unlucky with injuries in the second stretch of the season, when Oihan Sancet is fit, not many sides have an answer for Oihan Sancet. The physique of a Basque farmer, movement that reminds of Thomas Muller and a finish that Steven Gerrard could mistake for his own, Sancet is consistency away from being one of the best in Spain.<\/p>\n

3. Fede Valverde \u2013 Real Madrid<\/h3>\n

Even Fede Valverde couldn\u2019t hold this Real Madrid side together. Even Valverde looked tired this season. At one stage he was playing the best right-back football around too. Valverde has to play every game for Real Madrid \u2013 that\u2019s maybe the best indicator of his level.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Javi Guerra, Frenkie de Jong<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Midfielder: Pedri \u2013 Barcelona<\/h2>\n
\"Pedri
Image via Diario Sport \/ X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Similarly to Valverde, Pedri was the one player that Flick never really rested. With almost elastic limbs, he glides around mopping up all the bad passes, and turns them into biblical little miracles that get lost later in the attack. Barcelona would have been overjoyed just to have the old Pedri back, the new one is a phenomenon.<\/p>\n

2. Johnny Cardoso \u2013 Real Betis<\/h3>\n

We fear the Conference League final may be his last game for Real Betis. Johnny Cardoso looked absolutely at home in games against the big three this year, and provided a platform for Betis\u2019 attacking quartets to do what they do best. Midfielders like Cardoso are increasingly the most expensive players in the game.<\/p>\n

3. Mikel Jauregizar \u2013 Athletic Club<\/h3>\n

There were stages this season where Mikel Jauregizar was like a Basque Pac Man, gobbling up everything in the middle of the pitch. You might be able to go down a different route, but eventually, Jauregizar would get you.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Martin Zubimendi, Santi Comesana<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Midfielder: Alex Baena \u2013 Villarreal<\/h2>\n
\"Baena
Image via X \/ Sport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are two reasons that Alex Baena has not had the credit he deserves this season; last season he racked up a ridiculous 18 assists, and this season his strikers (with the exception of Ayoze Perez) were a little less than clinical. He remains Spain\u2019s most decisive midfielder in terms of assists (10) and grabbed seven goals to go with them. Magician gets thrown around, but his eye for angles and space is as good as there is in the game.<\/p>\n

2. Rodrigo de Paul \u2013 Atletico Madrid<\/h3>\n

It is something of a shame that much of Atletico Madrid\u2019s work will get thrown out with the three-week disaster, but until that point, Rodrigo de Paul (alongside Julian Alvarez) was arguably their best player. Particularly with Antoine Griezmann\u2019s output decreasing, de Paul took on responsibility.<\/p>\n

3. Jude Bellingham \u2013 Real Madrid<\/h3>\n

A quiet end to the season obscures that Jude Bellingham was still very good for much of this season. A more defensive role, all the dirty work, and plenty of frustration still yielded 14 goals and 14 assists.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Aimar Oroz<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Right-Forward: Lamine Yamal \u2013 Barcelona<\/h2>\n
\"Lamine
Image via Diario Sport \/ X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is nothing more exciting in football right now than when Lamine Yamal gets the ball. The 17-year-old is capable of anything, and he has a habit for producing in the biggest games of the season. Few players have had people falling about themselves to praise them like Lamine Yamal, and maybe only with Pele (beyond our time) at this age.<\/p>\n

2. Antony \u2013 Real Betis<\/h3>\n

What at first was a quirky and intriguing loan to watch quickly became must-watch theatre. \u2018Antonio de Triana\u2019 has had maybe the best January loan impact in recent memory, and come up with some absurd finishes to push Betis over the line in key games.<\/p>\n

3. Diego Lopez \u2013 Valencia<\/h3>\n

Diego Lopez goes under the radar \u2013 both in conversation and in games. A dying breed of forward, Lopez has a good touch and a decent finish, but more than anything an understanding of where to be and when to release the ball. He has featured in every game, and with eight goals and five assists, has been present in 13 of Valencia\u2019s 44 goals \u2013 crucial in their revival and survival.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Jorge de Frutos, Giuliano Simeone, Inaki Williams<\/h4>\n

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Centre-Forward: Kylian Mbappe \u2013 Real Madrid<\/h2>\n
\"Mbappe
Image via BeIN Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the stranger seasons for Kylian Mbappe, Golden Boot winner<\/a> with 31 Liga goals. At first, he wasn\u2019t as bad as they said, but it definitely wasn\u2019t good. Then he was probably better than they said, but it didn\u2019t really matter because of what was happening around him. A tricky season, full of goals, and one of the few people in history (although one of four this season) to have scored a forgettable hat-trick against Barcelona. More to come, and that\u2019s impressive.<\/p>\n

2. Ante Budimir \u2013 Osasuna<\/h3>\n

A Messi-esque season from Ante Budimir. The Croatian forward finished third behind Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski in the Pichichi race with 21 goals, accounting for 44% of Osasuna\u2019s total this season. He became their top scorer in Osasuna\u2019s La Liga history, and given the service, it\u2019s a brilliant campaign.<\/p>\n

3. Ayoze Perez \u2013 Villarreal<\/h3>\n

Signing of the season for many, Ayoze Perez has 19 goals for Villarreal despite playing just 30 games. He arrived for just \u20ac4m, and outside of Baena, was their best player. The 31-year-old was clinical and without him, Villarreal do not make Champions League football. Centre-forward the strongest field in the league.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Robert Lewandowski, Cristhian Stuani, Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Left-Forward: Raphinha \u2013 Barcelona<\/h2>\n
\"Raphinha
Image via Alex Caparros \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the all-time great comeback seasons, Raphinha more than double his production from the last two years, and equalled Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s Champions League record 13 goals. In his 57 appearances, he scored 34 times and gave 25 assists, but beyond that he set the tone for Barcelona, becoming a leader and navigating adversity in relentless fashion.<\/p>\n

2. Dodi Lukebakio \u2013 Sevilla<\/h3>\n

We know Dodi Lukebakio usually operates off the right, but Joaquin Caparros mistaken using him on the left gives us an excuse to pay tribute to his 11 goals in this Sevilla season. The Belgian was a lighthouse in a shipwreck of a season, and if Los Nervionenses got off the boat alive, Lukebakio was the one leading the rescue operation.<\/p>\n

3. Javi Puado \u2013 Espanyol<\/h3>\n

Very much in a similar sense to Lukebakio, Espanyol were goal-shy at the best of times, and Javi Puado was a lonely bastion of production. A lot of the focus has been on Roberto Fernandez\u2019s impact after arriving in January, and no doubt it changed their season, but Puado\u2019s 12 goals and 4 assists are 40% of Espanyol\u2019s total goals. He\u2019s not Joan Garcia, but his contribution was the next difference-maker in survival.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention: Vinicius Junior<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Manager: Hansi Flick \u2013 Barcelona<\/h2>\n
\"Flick
Image via FC Barcelona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Barcelona have won every competition they have played this season with exception of the Champions League, in which they got to the semi-final for the first time in six-years, and were seconds from the final. In addition, they have done it in breathtaking fashion. Hansi Flick\u2019s debut season has only been bettered by Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, and when that\u2019s the bar\u2026<\/p>\n

2. Carlos Corberan \u2013 Valencia<\/h3>\n

Carlos Corberan arrived at a Valencia that was genuinely losing hope, as well as looking short on quality, and ways to win football games. In 2025, Los Che would have been in a European place, and Corberan also ended a 17-year drought of victories at the Santiago Bernabeu. This was a resuscitation worthy of Lazarus.<\/p>\n

3. Inigo Perez \u2013 Rayo Vallecano<\/h3>\n

Rayo Vallecano have been to Europe once before, and that was on invitation due to their fair play record. Inigo Perez narrowly kept Rayo up last season, and this year has brought them within a point of their record total, and done so with their top scorer on eight goals.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mentions: Ernesto Valverde, Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Giraldez, Jose Bordalas<\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

The post La Liga Team of the Season: 4 Barcelona players, Podium Places and Honourable Mentions<\/a> appeared first on Football Espa\u00f1a<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The curtain has closed on another La Liga season, and before the Nations League and the Club World Cup steal away the summer,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=526"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":538,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526\/revisions\/538"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/yourphdbestie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}