Top Five players in La Liga so far this season
(ratings according to http://www.WhoScored.com)
La Liga broke up for the short winter break on Saturday with Barcelona’s 3-0 win at the Bernabeu in el clásico. When the Spanish top flight resumes in 2018, they will have a commanding 9 point lead at the top of the table and it’s no surprise that the Catalans dominate the list of leading performers so far this term.
Here are the top five players so far in La Liga 2017/18 according to their WhoScored rating:
1 - Leo Messi, Barcelona (8.76)
Even the most ardent Real Madrid supporter would struggle to argue against Leo Messi being the outstanding player so far this season in Spain. He is way ahead of the rest with 15 goals and 6 assists from 17 league appearances. The little Argentine maestro has put in some sparkling displays and has at times almost single-handedly driven the Barcelona attack. He’s well on course to collect another league winners medal while he will also take some stopping in the race to win the Pichichi.
2 - Luis Suarez, Barcelona (7.64)
Luis Suarez’s place is perhaps more debatable given the Uruguayan forward made a sluggish start to the campaign where he looked short on fitness and unconvincing in front of goal. He’s come good in recent weeks though with 7 goals in his last 6 league appearances to take some of the pressure off Messi. Neymar’s departure has seen his role change slightly but Suarez remains one of Barca’s key men and he’ll be central to their ambitions at home and abroad in 2018.
3 - Sergi Roberto, Barcelona (7.58)
It’s no surprise to see Barcelona players filling the top three positions but Sergi Roberto is not the name you’d have expected to accompany Messi and Suarez. This season though he has truly proved his value to the side. Despite not boasting many of the traits expected in a modern-day full-back, he has excelled down the right flank, creating five goals including the crucial opener on Saturday at the Bernabeu. Defensively he’s been rock solid too and has contributed to Barcelona boasting not only La Liga’s best goalscoring record but meanest defence.
4 - Iago Aspas, Celta Vigo (7.51)
Iago Aspas is another striker, who made a slow start to the campaign but has come very good. The Celta forward failed to score in his first seven league outings this term but has more than made up for it since, netting 11 times with only Messi having scored more in the Spanish top flight. The former Liverpool man, now looks nailed on to be heading to Russia next summer with Spain with his ability to play out wide or through the middle making him an appealing option for Julen Lopetegui.
5 - Saúl Ñíguez, Atletico Madrid (7.48)
Saúl Ñíguez has been one of the leading lights for Atletico Madrid this term. He’s the only Atleti player to make the top ten and has once again demonstrated his ability to play anywhere in midfield. Having only just turned 23, he’s gradually becoming the complete midfielder with his defensive attributes strong as is key in a Diego Simeone team. However he also can make a contribution in the final third too and despite his age, Saúl has already developed a knack of scoring goals at key times in big matches.
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