La Liga Team of the Season 2024/25

When at its best, La Liga can deliver the most entertaining seasons and, based on the evidence so far, 2024/25 looks to be no different.

Currently offering a three-horse title race, several teams in the hunt for European competition and a relegation battle set to continue in the second half of the season – this campaign could have it all.

Now that we come out of the winter break, the Three Wise Men have delivered their gifts, but here we are sending flowers to those who have defined almost the first half of the campaign, with the LaLiga Team of the Season so far.

GK – Jan Oblak – Atlético de Madrid

Goalkeepers are often a byproduct of the entire defensive unit, acting as a backup in case the firm front system is defeated. In the case of Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, he often makes the difference as Diego Simeone’s team looks to take advantage of those fine 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 in the division (77.8%), barely surpassing Real Sociedad standout Alex Remiro. In addition to his alertness during Atleti’s most dominant games, he has shown immense shot-stopping ability when tested frequently.

Barcelona did exactly that during the final clash before the winter break, as they faced 1.89 expected goals and only conceded one. His performance, and in particular the last two one-on-one saves from Raphinha and Pedri, helped Atleti welcome Christmas in pole position in La Liga.

Notable mention: Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad).

RB – Oscar Mingueza – Celta Vigo

Not many could have imagined Oscar Mingueza’s transition to one of the most offensive full-backs in the division. If you did it, I congratulate you. Either way, he leads the way among defensemen in goal contributions in the division with five assists and one goal.

A true beneficiary of coach Claudio Giraldez’s 3-4-3 system, in which the tight front three absorb the play in the center of the field. This leaves plenty of channel space for Mingueza and opposite full-back Hugo Álvarez to exploit, and they have.

Featured mentions: Jon Aramburu (Real Sociedad)Jules Koundé (Barcelona).

CB – Dani Vivián – Athletic Club

The League is full of strong, robust centre-backs, but Athletic Club’s Dani Vivián has stood out as the best this season.

His tactical astuteness, positioning and awareness are qualities that far exceed what you would expect from a 25-year-old player with only three full seasons in the top flight. they lived closing Kylian MbappéThe beginning of the campaign was the perfect showcase of all these qualities.

Ernesto Valverde’s side look much better with him in the team, Vivian’s club’s fourth-highest net xG during his appearances proves it (+0.45). The Spaniard will govern Los Leones’ defensive unit for years to come.

Notable mention: Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid).

CB – Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona

Possibly the best centre-back in the division, if not him, then his teammate, Íñigo Martínez, could take that accolade. Pau Cubarsi, who is still 17 years old, has become a real promise for Hansi Flick.

Often found launching line-breaking passes into midfield or catching opposing structures off guard with quick switches – the youngster ranks highest in medium-length passes (15-30 yards) among central defenders in the division.

Cubarsi’s journey from budding prospect to ever-reliable leader within Barcelona’s defensive line is one to admire. He continues to be key to Barça’s successes so far in the 24/25 season.

Notable mentions: Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad), Inigo Martinez (Barcelona).

LB – Miguel Gutierrez – Girona

Creative and dynamic, the left back Miguel GutiéRodríguez has been a standout player for Girona, who are constantly aiming to replicate last season’s heights. At just 23 years old, he excels as an inverted full-back and overlapping presence, demonstrating his ability to be a creative force in any role.

a strong ball Carrier with acute decision-making ability in confined spaces, GutiePérez leads all La Liga full-backs in successful crosses (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 reuniting with their former player this summer, three years after letting him leave.

Featured mention: Sergi Cardona (Villarreal).

DM – Martín Zubimendi – Real Sociedad

Europe’s most sought-after number six, Martin Zubimendi, has continued to show the form that saw him reject interest from teams like Liverpool in the summer. Real Sociedad’s summer departures didn’t help him either, leaving him to develop relationships with a contrasting midfield and defensive unit.

Often tasked with supporting Imanol Alguacil’s vigorous pressing routines as they leap forward, the 25-year-old has cleaned up these chaotic moves exceptionally well this season. Zubimendi remains in the top 11 percent among midfielders for dribblers tackled, and in the top seven percent for combined tackles and interceptions.

Time will tell if Zubimendi is still at Real, but rest assured that he stands out as the best defensive midfielder in the category.

Notable mentions: Marc Casado (Barcelona), Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid)Dario Essugo (Las Palmas).

CM – Alex Baena – Villarreal

Weaving and splitting the defense, maestro Alex Baena is as tenacious as he is inventive, surpassing nearly every creative midfield metric in La Liga.

Usually deployed on the left side of Villarreal’s 4-4-2, Baena tends to move into the half-space to link up the Yellow Submarine’s attacks. The 23-year-old leads shooting actions (6.99 p/90), passes into the area (2.75 p/90), xG and xA without a penalty.

Baena’s four goals and five assists have placed him in Luis de la Fuente’s national team setup and give him a place as the division’s best creative midfielder.

Notable mentions: Pedri (Barcelona), Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club).

CM – Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

Federico Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti’s ever-industrial choice in midfield and occasionally on the right side of his defence, is on course for another stellar season. Scoring five goals, all from outside the penalty area and a combined xG of 0.70 – the Uruguayan’s right boot has come in handy for Los Blancos.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Valverde adds forward enthusiasm to a frequently disengaged Madrid, ranking in the top 10% of carries by midfielders in the league. Not only that, the 26-year-old is there to clean up those attacks should they turn the ball over: He ranks in the top seven percent for dribbler tackles and the top five percent for interceptions.

A true all-rounder and a player who is becoming a leading figure within 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 coincidental absences from Barcelona during those periods demonstrate just how important Lamine Yamal is to Flick’s team. One of the most productive and dangerous dribblers in world football, the 17-year-old looks to hug the touchline before running towards goal with the intention of creating.

Yamal receives the second half of the campaign as the league’s top assister (nine), even after missing three league games due to injury. The La Masia product is in the top two percent for attacking attempts, progressive passes received, attacking third touches and assists per 90 – magnificent.

Barcelona must feel like they have hit the jackpot with him and Cubarsi in their ranks at the same time.

Notable mentions: Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla).

ST – Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

His last month of slightly slower scoring exploits should not detract from Robert Lewandowski’s early season form, which saw him take the lead in the Golden Boot with 16 goals.

Often found in deeper spaces to create numerical advantages in Flick’s system, the 36-year-old defies his age to then enter the box and finish off attacking moves.

He is slightly underperforming his xG (-1.58), which could lead to a dip in form during the second part of the season. But for now, Lewandowski begins the calendar year with a five-goal lead over his rivals.

Notable mentions: Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid).

LW – Wing – Barcelona

Raphinha has already surpassed his best creative season in Barcelona colors, racking up 17 goals and assists combined. The Brazilian, who completes a trio dominated by Barça, has been a revelation for Flick’s team.

He offers a consistent ‘outside ball’ as his centre-backs look for those forceful passes into midfield, reversing to suck his markers into the field. This is incredibly useful when facing a man-on-man pressure structure.

Raphinha, second only to teammate Yamal in assists, has created the most chances in the league (64), along with the highest xA in the division, very worthy of a place in this team.

Featured mentions: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)Bryan Zaragoza (Health).