Real Madrid: Rating Every Member of Jose Mourinho's Squad This Season in La Liga

Putting aside the disappointments of the cup competitions and the drama that continues to be there with Barcelona, this has been an excellent La Liga campaign for Real Madrid—a season in which many of the club's players have performed to exceptional levels throughout a title-winning year.

What has been great to see from Madrid and Jose Mourinho this season is the attention to the games at hand. The controversy has been taken down a peg and instead the team have adapted themselves to playing aggressive, highly entertaining and winning football.

OK, there were a few slip-ups this season, but those are barely a handful. For the most part it never seemed in doubt that Real Madrid would finally grab the La Liga title out of the hands of Barcelona. But they did so with swagger and great confidence.

The only element playing against Madrid at the tail end of the season was the history of Barcelona always managing to pick up victories against them. But even then, Mourinho set up his team to pick up all three points in the Nou Camp—one of their greatest achievements and performances this year.

The Real Madrid front line has been magnificent all season, like a juggernaut hissing and steaming authority, power and plenty of goals. The final tally of well over 100 strikes from just Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain has been a huge reflection of the application and desire from the players and Mourinho, too.

What really separated Madrid this season from the rest of the pack and specifically Barcelona was an almost guarantee to get the job done where some thought they would slip up.

The 6-2 victory away to Sevilla was outstanding, 3-2 away to Valencia was thrilling and the day they confirmed their status as champions against Athletic Bilbao was expected. Simply the form of a group who always knew they were best.

It was an outstanding season for Madrid's first-choice centre back pairing. Sergio Ramos really should continue in his role at the heart of the defence, displaying the kind of leadership and authority that is needed in any title winning team. His partner Pepe, while a controversial figure, hardly ever made a wrong move in his rightful position as centre back.

The left backs, Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao, continued to offer varying skill sets to a good degree. Whether it was the safer, much more defensive option of Coentrao, or the attacking threat of Marcelo, Mourinho always had very good options for what he needed to combat any opposition.

There have been a few disappointments throughout the squad, however. The hugely talented Raphael Varane would have been a very competent understudy to Ramos and Pepe while not greatly compromising results and performances. And there's also a case to be made for Raul Albiol, who has shown in the past that he is a defender comfortable with the Spanish league.

There's plenty to argue that rotation in certain positions would have offered Real Madrid more in the way of trophies this season. At the very least, it would have been pleasant to see more of the players resigned to bit-part roles.

The same can be said for Nuri Sahin, a greatly talented midfielder who can play a similar role to that of Xabi Alonso and who was crucial for Borussia Dortmund last year. Yes, he had injuries upon arriving at Madrid last summer, but he is unquestionably a player who would have added a great deal to the team's battles on three fronts.

Sahin is a player who the club should fight to retain, such is his quality, but someone who is sure to seek other options this summer.

There's a lot that can be said from Madrid's regulars in midfield, a core group who combined strength, creativity, composure, goals and leadership. It was interesting and entertaining to see the dynamics of this Real Madrid team as the ball moved effortlessly from back to front through a glittering array of midfield gems.

Angel Di Maria's absence through injury for parts of this season was disappointing, especially considering the contribution he made when he was fit. But Mesut Ozil was excellent in possession and as a creative outlet. While deeper, Xabi Alonso and the rotation of Sami Khedira and Lassana Diarra offered the launch pad for most of the team's goals.

Again, it would have been great to see a little more from Kaka this season, but his place in the team does tend to be on the bench—a disappointing removal from where he was during his days with AC Milan.

But the introduction into the team of Jose Callejon and Esteban Granero was refreshing and necessary.

The former took up his place on the right side of attack, contributing heavily in the group stages of the Champions League. And Granero was given guarantees of playing time following attempts at moving during the January transfer window. The midfielder has largely been used to relieve others in the dying stages of games, but with great transition and success.

We might not have seen as much as we'd liked from Mourinho's team this year, but it's hard to take much away from Real Madrid's achievement, even though the Champions League was there for the taking.

But they never seemed to halt their desire to deliver sensational displays. The league title in any league doesn't always go to the most entertaining, but this Madrid side have really blossomed into a powerful, entertaining force—a team who are absolutely deserving of their 32nd La Liga crown.

Player ratings

Iker Casillas 9

Alvaro Arbeloa 7

Pepe 7

Sergio Ramos 9

Marcelo 7

Sami Khedira 7

Xabi Alonso 8

Angel Di Maria 8

Mesut Ozil 8

Cristiano Ronaldo 9

Karim Benzema 8

Gonzalo Higuain 8

Kaka 7

Fabio Coentrao 7

Lassana Diarra 6

Jose Callejon 6

Esteban Granero 6

Raphael Varane 6

Nuri Sahin 6

Ricardo Carvalho 6

Raul Albiol 6

Hamit Altintop 6

Antonio Adan 5