La Liga Team of the Week for September 19-21
The most recent La Liga weekend has come and gone with some big victories for the big two, Barcelona and Real Madrid, but reigning league champions Atletico were held to a draw.
As is usually the case with those three sides, having so many incredible players between them, our team of the week is heavily influenced by their star performers—but there is always room for players from other sides, too, and it's no different this time around.
We line up in a 4-3-3 this weekend; here are our top performers in our La Liga team of the week.
GK: Diego Alves, VAL
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Valencia have started the 14-15 season very well indeed, and part of that has been their impressively sturdy defence.
They kept another clean sheet on Monday night, with Diego Alves impressing in his handling and control of his penalty area. The keeper has conceded just two goals so far this season and is something of a symbol of the rest of the defence right now: confident, in-form and reliable.
DR: Alvaro Arbeloa, RMA
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Alvaro Arbeloa was restored to the Real Madrid starting XI against Deportivo and put in a terrific performance.
The right-back attacked at will and showed a surprising amount of technique on the ball, not always seen with him in the final third. He was willing to hit the byline and provide cutback opportunities for his team-mates, too.
His cross from the right wing provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal, and he also defended aggressively when called upon.
DC: Jeison Murillo, GRA
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Granada picked up an unexpected victory at San Mames on Saturday as they defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0.
Perhaps it was the Basque side being tired after their European exploits in midweek, but Granada looked the hungrier side, and the spine of the team was powerful, impressive and dominant.
In the centre of defence, Murillo was key to their determined display, showing great leadership as well as his technical traits to help keep a vital clean sheet.
Celta Vigo's Andreu Fontas also could have been considered for this position, but he was beaten aerially for a crucial goal in the game.
DC: Miranda, ATL
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Alongside Murillo, Atletico Madrid's Miranda keeps his place after another imperious display at the back.
The Brazilian centre-back also managed to score again, his second goal of the season, as Atleti continued to provide a great threat from set pieces.
In defence, he was well occupied with the movement and the tenacity of Celta Vigo's attack. He kept his composure, and although he conceded the penalty which ultimately meant the match ended in a draw, it was a harsh call as Miranda tried to step out of the way and the attacker went over after bumping into him.
DL: Carles Planas, CEL
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In the same game, Celta's Carles Planas was superb from left-back.
Attacking with great style and verve into the channels at every opportunity, the former Barcelona B defender showed why he can be one of the next "bought back" La Masia players if he continues to show consistency as well as quality.
Planas is a tough opponent to get past as well as his obvious on-the-ball talents, and he put in an all-round performance against Atleti.
A quick mention also for Jordi Alba, who was pipped to the position by Planas.
CM: Ivan Rakitic, FCB
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The midfield trio comes completely made up from Real Madrid and Barcelona players, and we start with a new arrival.
Ivan Rakitic has slotted in seamlessly to life at Barca and was hugely impressive again for the Catalan side in the 5-0 win over Levante, scoring a rocket of a shot himself—slightly deflected but going in anyway—and being involved with most of the best buildup throughout.
CM: Andres Iniesta, FCB
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Alongside Rakitic in both Barcelona's win and our team of the week is captain Andres Iniesta.
Barca as a whole have been impressive at the start of 14-15, but Iniesta is on another plane entirely right now, showing relentless drive through the centre, good linkup with his partner in the centre and all his best dribbling and passing to set up chance after chance for the front players.
Iniesta has responded well to being the captain on a weekly basis—actual club captain Xavi has been on the bench—and continues to prove he remains one of the world's best players.
CM: James Rodriguez, RMA
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The choice from Real Madrid in midfield is Colombian star James Rodriguez, who put in his best showing in white so far in the ultimately easy win over Deportivo La Coruna.
James was heavily involved in Real's transitional play through the middle and down the inside-left channel as he sought to take control of the game at every opportunity, exchanging quick passes with his team-mates to keep Depor chasing and creating space with his movement on and off the ball.
His goal was sublime, right into the far top corner, and he worked hard defensively with his positioning which is something that hadn't really been seen before this match.
FW: Jhon Cordoba, GRA
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Onto the front three and two can probably be guessed—but alongside them, Granada's Jhon Cordoba edges out the likes of Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal) and Paco Alcacer (Valencia) for the third place in attack.
Cordoba, now with Granada, was an absolute menace against Athletic Bilbao, tormenting them with his direct running down the channels and his pace, power and unpredictable ability to beat a man in possession.
Some of Cordoba's dribbles ended in misplaced crosses or pull-backs, with his end product still something of a cause for improvement over the season. The 21-year-old is immensely talented and could be set for a real breakout season in La Liga.
His goal showed his hard work and strength to rob the ball and, importantly, the composure to finish the shot and secure a 1-0 win for his team. Watch out for him over the course of the season.
FW: Cristiano Ronaldo, RMA
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The big two from the big two finish off our team, after both put in telling performances this weekend.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 8-2 win over Depor, the first being a magnificent header while jumping away from goal and under pressure. Two more goals followed as he set the tone for his team to take victory by relentless attacking.
His all-round presence and running off the defence created so many gaps for others to take advantage of that even when he didn't shoot or create a chance for others, he was still involved in the play.
FW: Leo Messi, FCB
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The best performer of the weekend was Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who (with help from Rakitic, Iniesta et al) tore Levante to shreds.
His highlights included a lofted pass to assist Neymar, great feet to win a penalty, awareness and selflessness to set up Sandro and then opportunism to score a late right-footed goal of his own. But there was plenty more to admire in between.
Ominously for La Liga defences, this was the hardworking, creative and direct Messi of perhaps two or three seasons ago. If he keeps this up, more records could be set to tumble.
