La Liga 70: Ranking the Top Players Ahead of 2015/16 Season
It's finally here: after what feels like the longest pre-season ever, the 2015-16 Liga season is about to get underway in Spain, with matches starting Friday night and lasting all over the weekend.
Last year's title was tightly contested by Barcelona and Real Madrid, won eventually by the Catalan club en-route to their treble, while the remainder of the top-four berths saw a three-way battle go to the wire—and, in the end, all three qualified thanks to Sevilla's Europa League triumph.
Eibar ended in a relegation spot but didn't go down thanks to Elche's financial indiscipline, Granada survived on the final day and the likes of Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano all had their own mid-season stories that excited and enthralled.
This term looks set to be even more competitive and even more intriguing, with Real Betis having rejoined the top flight along with Sporting Gijon and Las Palmas. Big transfer activity at the top end sees Atletico Madrid and Sevilla have ever-more quality-filled squads, while any one of four or five mid-table teams from last term look capable of pushing for a top-six finish this time around.
With such excitement in the offing, it's the ideal time to present our newest Liga list: ranking all of the best players in the league, a top 70 to include as many of the biggest names as possible.
Just as with our Premier League rankings, we've given players a mostly clean slate; instead of judging just on last season's performances (you can see 2014-15's top performers here) when injury or form may have severely disrupted the normal game of a player, we have taken an overall view to judge players' ability and rank them against each other.
Who makes the top 70, and who stands alone at the top? Read on, find out and leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Explanations and Exclusions
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La Liga is filled with tremendous talent and, naturally, selecting the top 70 means there will be a number of individuals—who might make any number of first-choice XIs around Europe—left to one side.
Anybody currently registered to a play for a Liga club in the new season is eligible, as long as they were signed and secured by 9 a.m. Tuesday 18 August—that means no spot for Mateo Kovacic, the Inter Milan man who won't be confirmed as a Real Madrid player until Wednesday afternoon, and others like him.
Players who were injured for much of last year—Luka Modric for example—are included but judged on "normal" form, with the expectation they'll be ready to go this season. However, those who are injured for the start of this term and expected to miss several months do not feature in our list.
That, unfortunately, means no place for two of La Liga's best goalkeepers last season, Diego Alves and Sergio Asenjo, with both picking up ACL tears late on in 14-15. Iker Muniain similarly suffered a bad knee injury and will be out until at least November, so he is not included—likewise, Mateo Musacchio. All four would have been inside the top 70 on initial assessments.
Finally, we have taken a judgement call and opted to exclude Nicolas Otamendi of Valencia and Pedro Rodriguez of Barcelona, based on their likely impending transfers outside of La Liga, meaning they would add no value to Spain's top flight this term.
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70. Vicente Iborra, SEV
Sevilla's powerhouse midfield is stacked to the brim, and Vicente Iborra will be hoping to play as big a role this year as last season. It was his first major campaign in a successful side, and his drive from deep was a big factor in Sevilla's play.
69. Benat, ATH
A composed central midfielder who is creative as well as aggressive, Benat had a poor 2014-15 season and will need to step up considerably this term if Athletic are to mount another run for European football.
68. Sergi Darder, MGA
One of Malaga's two talented central midfielders, Sergi Darder has grown considerably over the last year or so and is particularly effective moving play between both penalty boxes. He'll need to have another year like his last one to be considered genuinely among the top young talents, but as it is, he shows much reason for optimism.
67. Markel Susaeta, ATH
Like Benat, Athletic's Markel Susaeta had a hit-and-miss year last season but, as one of the team's prime outlets in attack, is capable of transforming his side from a middling one to an inventive, exciting one to watch when on his game. They need him to find consistency this season and impress in the absence of Iker Muniain.
66. Denis Cheryshev, RMA
On loan last season at Villarreal, Denis Cheryshev had a standout first half of the year as a left-sided midfielder. Now back at Real Madrid, he faces massive competition to even get game time, but he has pace, skill and an eye for goal. This is his one season to make an impact at his parent club, so he needs to impress.
65. Diego Reyes, RSO
Mexican centre-back Diego Reyes secured a move to Real Sociedad this summer and looks to be another fine addition to the side who look younger, more mobile and more exciting this term. If he excels, he could form a tough partnership with Inigo Martinez.
64. Roberto Trashorras, RAY
Almost Rayo's sole permanent face among a constantly changing group of loans and frees, Roberto Trashorras provides drive and ability in the centre of the park combined with creativity in the final third. They rely on him to be the starting point for their all-out-attack style.
63. Patrick Ebert, RAY
The flanks of Rayo's attack, however, will have a new face this term in Patrick Ebert after he signed this summer. Direct, full of pace and capable of consistently good delivery, he's a great addition on a free transfer.
62. Jose Gaya, VAL
An obviously exceptional talent, Valencia's latest young left-back is Jose Gaya. A top performer last term, he of course needs to continue replicating that sort of form over more than a single season to be ranked significantly higher—but he has certainly shown the potential to do so.
61. Ignacio Camacho, MGA
The tough-tackling, aggressive half of Malaga's central duo, Ignacio Camacho controls the middle of the pitch for his team in a robust manner. He's consistent, reliable and a vital performer for the Andalucian club.
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60. Benoit Tremoulinas, SEV
Sevilla's left-back, Benoit Tremoulinas delivers quality and composure in attack down the flank and offers reliability and a conscientious approach to defending. His delivery is notoriously good, especially on the run when crossing first time, and he'll have to have an even bigger season this year to keep new signing Sergio Escudero at bay.
59. Michael Krohn-Dehli, SEV
Given his excellent performances last season, it's quite incredible that Sevilla were able to pick up Michael Krohn-Dehli on a free transfer, totally unopposed, this summer. Great technique, vision and passing made the Dane a standout at Celta Vigo; he'll face a challenge not only to finally show the consistent ability that has been missing in his career at times, but also to win a place in a very competitive midfield.
58. Paco Alcacer, VAL
Valencia's No. 1 forward, Paco Alcacer is talented and skilful but lacks the genuine killer edge needed to be a truly top-class centre-forward. He is more ideally suited to playing as one of two up front, the clever movement and deft touch he brings ensures he'll always be looking for a dozen or 15 goals, but Los Che shouldn't rely on him for many more.
57. Ander Iturraspe, ATH
Another who had an up-and-down year at Athletic Bilbao, central midfielder Ander Iturraspe is a complete player when on form—a real all-rounder who can dominate the centre of the park and help his team step up several levels. He has a great engine, a fine range of passing and works extremely hard defensively; this year we want to see him show much more resilience with both fitness and consistent performances.
56. Rafinha, FCB
Barcelona's youthful playmaker, Rafinha enjoyed a good season on loan with Celta Vigo two years ago and then broke through as one of four offensive central midfielders regularly in the side last term at his parent club, most often as a replacement for Ivan Rakitic. A great passer with the expected immense control of a Barcelona player, Rafinha needs to take on more responsibility this term after Xavi's departure.
55. Mario Gaspar, VIL
Villarreal's regular right-back, Mario Gaspar is an overlooked player much of the time despite hugely consistent performances, his team-leading credibility and the fact his team look a lot better when he is in the side. He offers good penetration and width down the flank, is strong in the challenge and can provide regular service into the box with short passes and quick crosses.
54. Sergio Canales, RSO
A creative schemer who finally looks to be blossoming into an important player for his team, Sergio Canales' career has been a bit stop-start until now. But as one of Real Sociedad's attacking midfielders, he has the ability to unlock defences and score plenty of his own strikes. Just like Alcacer and many other 20-something Spanish youngsters, he needs more consistency to make the move from precocious youngster to reliable, first-team threat.
53. Kevin Gameiro, SEV
With Carlos Bacca gone, Kevin Gameiro at last has the chance to stake his own claim to be Sevilla's regular first-choice striker. Great pace, an ability to run the channels and terrific striking technique, he's pretty much a Bacca-lite in terms of what he brings to the role. Whether he gets to start the season in place, following Ciro Immobile's arrival, is up for debate—but he's definitely the closer fit to how Sevilla used a striker last term.
52. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, FCB
German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the back-up goalkeeper for Barcelona in league play last term—but he won the Copa del Rey and Champions League as first-choice stopper. The rotation policy means we're able to get a sense of his ability right now; Ter Stegen still makes a few errors of judgement, but his handling and reactions are as impressive as ever. Can he usurp team-mate Claudio Bravo on a more regular basis? That's the target for this year.
51. Aritz Aduriz, ATH
Anybody who watched this season's Spanish Supercopa knows exactly what Aritz Aduriz brings to the table. The Basque striker hit four over the two legs against Barcelona with all his biggest traits on show: power, aerial threat, total commitment to the cause and no shortage of aggression. He gets better with age...and more important to Athletic's tactics, too.
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50. Bruno Soriano, VIL
Villarreal's all-action central midfielder Bruno Soriano is an all-rounder who could certainly cope playing at a bigger team with more expectations. Passing, ball-winning, attacking from deep, he largely excels at everything asked of him. He knits the team together, and he does it all wearing the captain's armband.
49. Jan Oblak, ATM
Atletico Madrid's goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, has the ability right now to show he is one of Europe's best, never mind La Liga's. That said, we're still waiting for him to really nail down a spot for an entire season at any club, which is why he's not ranked higher—he managed the last three months of last season at Atletico, to go with his half-season at Benfica and loan spell at Rio Ave. He's got it all and only needs a long run of games to show it. Expect this to be the year he really displays his worth.
48. Danilo, RMA
Real's newest expensive import is the former Porto right-back Danilo. He's all pace and power down the flank, occupying midfield and attacking roles as his team breaks forward, though he looks a tad unrefined when it comes to the final ball and decision-making. Watch those gaps behind him, too, against the counter.
47. Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, ATM
A new Atletico Madrid signing, winger Carrasco will offer his team a real outlet on the counter with his pace and tendency to stick wide, while he also loves to dribble his man when one-on-one. He's a bit of a departure from the established cut-infield-and-playmake wide midfielders that Diego Simeone has used previously, and he could make a big difference to the team.
46. Luciano Vietto, ATM
Vietto made great strides in establishing himself as a top Liga striker last term with Villarreal, prompting Atleti's bid this summer. Capable of playing just off the front man or a little wider and cutting in, Vietto is adept at linking play and attacking from deep. He needs more game time, but he's now playing with and learning from the best. Expect this guy to go all the way.
45. Inigo Martinez, RSO
A talented and determined figure at the back for La Real, Inigo Martinez is the leader by example to stop opponents' route to goal. At times a little rash in the tackle, Martinez is nonetheless a reliable performer for his side and is composed in possession. He's good in the air and should remain first choice this term.
44. Thomas Vermaelen, FCB
Last year was a total write-off for Thomas Vermaelen—following on from a half-season where he lost his place in the Arsenal team—so we're showing a bit of faith by taking into account his earlier Arsenal form from 2009-2013. He was one of the best around at the time; composed on the ball, positionally secure, able to bring play into midfield and a defensive demon in winning the ball. Getting back to that stage will take some doing, but the talent is there. Getting a chance at Barcelona might be his biggest test.
43. Pablo Piatti, VAL
Pablo Piatti is a direct opposite to Vermaelen: after years of showing he had outrageous talent but zero consistency, last season saw Piatti finally knuckle down and show what he was capable of week after week. During Valencia's best runs of form, he was the man to make the difference, with obscene dribbling skills and chance-creation levels. Keep this going and he's a top-20 Liga player, no trouble.
42. Nolito, CEL
Celta Vigo's left-sided forward Nolito is a hugely talented player who has brought consistency and responsibility to his game over the last two years. Dribbling, finishing and picking out team-mates with clever passes are all in his armoury. He's Celta's best player and can propel them from mid-table to top-six contenders.
41. Jeremy Mathieu, FCB
French defender Mathieu had spells in and out of the Barcelona team last year, centrally and on the left. For years previously he bossed the Valencia defence so we know he is talented, aggressive, powerful and robust—but also that he makes the odd mistake and definitely needs consecutive games to get the best from him.
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40. Raphael Varane, RMA
Like Gimenez, if Raphael Varane played every week for the entire season, we know we'd be looking at him as one of La Liga's finest. As it is, at Real Madrid he faces a constant battle for a place against Pepe and, as such, sometimes suffers from irregular game time. Varane is lightning quick on the recovery, has a good passing range and is very firm in the tackle. A top player who just needs a run to show potential top class.
39. Grzegorz Krychowiak, SEV
Sevilla's holding midfielder Krychowiak impressed in Ligue 1 before his move to the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, and last term displayed all that controlling ability for his current side in Spain. The Pole can sit deep and destroy, or can push on a little higher to press upfield, pass quickly and then attack from deep as a surprising addition to the offensive part of the team. He's strong, aggressive and worth a lot more now than Sevilla originally paid for him.
38. Aymeric Laporte, ATH
Another young centre-back, Aymeric Laporte has more seasons as a first pick behind him than Gimenez and Varane, and is almost equally talented. He has perhaps reached something of a ceiling at Athletic, so it remains to be seen whether he moves on to test himself further. The longer he stays there, though, the more chance they have of success.
37. Keylor Navas, RMA
Real Madrid's No. 1 choice in goal this term (barring late changes in the transfer market), Keylor Navas was the best stopper in the league two seasons ago. He's agile, has great reflexes, controls his area well and distributes very quickly. There will be no shortage of takers when Real inevitably choose to upgrade.
36. Juanfran, ATM
Atletico Madrid's regular right-back, Juanfran has gone from a bog-standard full-back, ignored and disregarded by the footballing world at large, to Spain's first-choice. A consistent and reliable performer, he is a typical success story under Diego Simeone and combines defensive solidity with a willingness to support further forward. Few mistakes, big success.
35. Tiago Mendes, ATM
The Atletico midfield is full of a combination of aggression, tenacity, experience and creativity on the ball, with Tiago embodying the whole lot. His deft touch around the outside of each penalty area can help set away counter-attacks or unlock a defence, while the odd rocket from his right boot adds an unexpected threat from range. He's still vital to the team at 34.
34. Sofiane Feghouli, VAL
If Piatti showed last season he is good enough to unlock any defence, Feghouli—playing on the opposite side—was the Valencia player who combined different phases of play in the best way. Midfield to attack, defence to counter, the Algerian has a great turn of pace, one-on-one skills and non-stop work rate. He's very important to the team cause and creates plenty of chances.
32. Yevhen Konoplyanka, SEV
Another incredibly good value Sevilla buy, Konoplyanka arrived on a free transfer this summer and his blinding pace will add plenty to the team's attack down the left flank. Expect him to fit right in to their game plan, providing chances and shots by ripping teams open down that side. For years he excelled in his home country with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, now he'll take La Liga by storm.
31. Dani Carvajal, RMA
Real's regular right-back last season, Carvajal combines solid defensive work with an ability to overlap late in build-ups to cross on the run as his main method of attack. He's composed in possession, has good stamina and is a home-grown boy—but he'll face big competition against Danilo this term.
30. Carlos Vela, RSO
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Into the top 30 we go. Real Sociedad's Mexican forward Carlos Vela didn't have his best season last year, but La Real's poor start and change of manager both contributed in part to that.
At his best, Vela can change games by himself; he's technically gifted, has good acceleration over short distances, changes direction well in possession and possesses a very good finish with his left foot.
Whether playing up front, just behind or from the right side, Vela is the biggest danger in the Sociedad front line whether operating as schemer and creator or chief goalscoring threat. If he stays fit and La Real's new-look attack clicks early, he could be set for his best season yet.
29. Jackson Martinez, ATM
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Three years in the Primeira Liga in Portugal saw Jackson Martinez rack up almost 100 goals in all competitions with FC Porto; Atletico Madrid have finally taken the plunge to bring him to La Liga this summer.
The Colombian striker is powerful, fast and has a tremendous finish from anywhere around the edge of the box; Atleti have signed him to bring not just goals, but another presence for the likes of Antoine Griezmann to play off, with Martinez capable of holding the ball up and linking with on-running team-mates.
Having hit over 20 in each of his three seasons in Portugal, the challenge will be to replicate that form in a tougher league—but also with better players around him.
28. Claudio Bravo, FCB
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Barcelona stopper Claudio Bravo enjoyed a stellar season in La Liga last year, winning the league in his first year with the club, but even before then he had long proved himself one of the top performers in his position in Spain.
Good reflexes and an ability to command his entire penalty box are Bravo's biggest strengths, while his comfort with the ball at his feet naturally means he is a good fit for his current side.
The competition for places with Ter Stegen is clearly a factor that pushes both keepers to perform consistently well—and challenges their mentality, too.
27. Jordi Alba, FCB
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Sticking with Barcelona, rampaging left-back Jordi Alba is one of the best outlets around with his blinding pace and endless stamina. As comfortable making a long-distance sprint in the 90th minute as the first, his ability to suddenly break lines is imperative for Barcelona when up against tightly packed defences in a low block.
Alba occupies the entire left flank to allow others to play infield and be more of a creative or goal threat while he stretches play.
Defensively, of course, he's not the most solid around, but his recovery pace as well as tenacity are important factors in blocking off opposition attacks. An argumentative character, the only thing stopping Alba going even higher are slightly too frequent absences brought on by injury or indiscipline.
26. Isco, RMA
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Real Madrid's Isco had a breakout season with the team last year, showing how much he has matured as a team player with a series of creative and inventive displays.
It's nothing new, of course; at Malaga he was a star, and his quality has never been in question. While it was sometimes individualistic then, last year seems to have been the season where it dropped for him to operate in a different capacity: playing for the team and rewarded with a regular place in the XI as a result.
Technically gifted, with quick feet and a good shot from range, Isco will again face a fight for places this term but is one of Spain's best early 20s players.
25. James Rodriguez, RMA
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James Rodriguez had an excellent season last year for the most part, though injuries disrupted him more than once. That, combined with only really having half an impressive season with AS Monaco, limits how high we can put him for now.
That said, everybody recognises his qualities and he's sure to be a top Liga player for years to come.
Combining an ability to pick passes in the final third with his knack of arriving late into the penalty box, James goes one step further than many playmakers by actually getting himself into many good goalscoring positions, attacking the far post and penalty spot for cut-backs, crosses and rebounds—not to mention smashing in the odd world class finish.
Editor's note: James Rodriguez was originally omitted from this slideshow erroneously. We regret the error.
24. Ever Banega, SEV
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Ever Banega has been around the block a few times and always seems to follow a pattern: initial successes, looks immense, loses fitness or focus and then struggles to get back into the team. Since joining Sevilla, though, it appears he has found his place to flourish more permanently.
Whether deep in midfield or behind the attacking line, Banega's inventive eye and technique to pick a pass make him a fantastic creative player, while his set piece delivery is also sublime.
Still only 27, Banega should be hitting his peak years for performance and consistency, and he's in a competitive side that gives him a platform to do that. Sevilla look primed for a top-four finish, and he'll play a huge part in that.
23. Filipe Luis, ATM
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Back in Spain after a year away, Filipe Luis has returned to Atletico Madrid after failing to really nail down a starting spot at Chelsea.
Composed on the ball with good delivery and link-up play from wide, Filipe was seen as Europe's best in that position when he departed the Vicente Calderon. Defensively he's very solid, stopping attacks at the source down his flank and strong enough to hold off most would-be scoring threats. He covers well behind his centre-backs and isn't shy about making tackles.
We'll hold off putting him any higher until we can be sure he'll find his best form again after a stop-start year, but there aren't too many who think he'll flop.
22. Koke, ATM
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Sticking with Atleti, midfielder Koke has been an integral part of the team under Diego Simeone—and 2015-16 could be the year he pushes on even more and shows himself one of Europe's top players.
An almost perfect combination of defensive aggression and offensive genius, Koke has a truly fantastic passing range, and his set pieces are on point time after time. He should move from left to centre this year on a more regular basis, enabling him to be the starting point and conduit for the team, and they'll benefit as a result.
If he can add a few more goals a year to his game as a result of being able to push on through the middle, there won't be many Liga players who can claim to have more impact on the outcome of games than Koke.
21. Ivan Rakitic, FCB
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Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic was an absolute steal for Sevilla when they signed him in 2011 and has gotten better every year since then.
From goalscoring threat in his final year with the club to a slightly deeper creator last term with Barcelona, Rakitic has everything in his armoury to be a huge threat in the final third. Offering quick, short passes, or more direct ones to open defensive lines, as well as late runs into the box to provide a goal threat of his own and the odd rocket from range—Croatian Rakitic has it all.
He works tirelessly, will make challenges centrally and can play basically any role in midfield, central or wide, if it's really needed.
20. Gabi, ATM
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Gabi was the Atletico Madrid captain who lifted the title in 2014 after what was his best season, performance -wise, as a player.
Last term he dipped significantly and will want to pick up his level again this term or face a gradual erosion of his influence on the team—but if he gets back to anywhere near his best, he is one of the most complete midfielders in La Liga.
Defensively he has the tenacity, stamina, tackling ability and commitment to the cause to be near-impossible to beat one-on-one, while his passing from deep and further upfield is a vital outlet for his team on the counter-attack. If he hits top form over the season, he's a genuine contender to be looked at as a potential surprise inclusion for Spain's Euro 2016 squad; if he fails to return to that level, this is probably the beginning of the end for him as a key player on the big stage. He'll be squeezed out at an improving Atletico.
19. Pepe, RMA
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Real Madrid's centre-back who constantly battles with Varane for a place in the team, Pepe has proved himself over a long career to be a top competitor and an aggressive opponent.
Strong in the air, quick over the ground and fearless in the challenge, Pepe is never easy to get past even though his very best, most consistent days are probably done with. At 32, he still has plenty to offer the team, but keeping him fit has become more of a problem for Real over the last couple of seasons.
You know exactly what you'll get with Pepe: uncompromising performances and a yellow card for dissent.
18. Antoine Griezmann, ATM
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Before joining Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann was a flying left winger for Real Sociedad who got in on the act with scoring goals with regularity—attacking the back post to good effect. Soon after joining Atleti, he was converted to a forward-thinking striker and, after a few settling months, showed he was devastatingly good in his new role.
The combination of traits make him a surprisingly rounded forward: a midfield mind who can drop off, link play, work the channels and beat opponents on the run with pace; but also a striker's instinct to play a predatory role inside the penalty area, lashing in quick shots and reacting well to second balls.
There are few more effective players around than Griezmann at present, and another season like his last one will see him far closer to the top 10 than just the top 20.
17. Arda Turan, FCB
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Arda Turan has long been a mainstay in the Atletico side, providing much-needed creativity and invention from the right flank drifting infield—but this year he has made the move to Barcelona.
He's adept at beating players one-on-one, works the channels well and provides plenty of scoring chances for team mates, though he's perhaps not as deadly inside the box as he should be.
We had to consider whether it was right to include Turan in the list based on him not being able to play for Barcelona until January due to their ban on registering new players—after all, the injured players aren't being selected—but he has been included in the end because it's not an enforced absence which could potentially affect his playing style or long-term fitness, so he'll still offer plenty this year.
16. Marcelo, RMA
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Marcelo takes top spot for the left-backs in our rankings, with the Real Madrid man capable of genuinely world class, match-winning performances in his offensive role in the team.
He's fast, strong and very controlled with the ball at his feet, able to come infield and play or overlap as a crossing outlet. His dribbling and final ball is impressive, but it's his quick-thinking and selfless link play that really make him important to Real Madrid—especially in combining with the man who plays ahead of him, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Defensively Marcelo can go either way—tough to get past and strong in the challenge, or strangely lax about his work. Mostly, though, he's just a very, very good player for Real.
15. Gerard Pique, FCB
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Gerard Pique is established as one of the more rounded top defenders in world football, not just with his defensive aptitude but also as a ball-playing option too. Of course, that seems to come as standard to be a regular for Barcelona, but he still excels to the point of being confident in his ability to dribble into midfield or suddenly rampage forward to become Barcelona's striker for a short spell.
Last year was a vital one for Pique; left out of the team at the start of the season after indifferent form, he ended up being one of the league's best once he knuckled down and appreciated what he needed to do.
He has height, power, pace and control; everything needed to be a class act. Now he just needs to stop the suspensions and put in that standard of quality year after year. Do that, and there's no limit to how impressive he can be.
14. Karim Benzema, RMA
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Still one of the less-appreciated Real Madrid stars, Karim Benzema is a top-tier striker who scores perhaps half the amount he really could do, simply because he plays for the team, not himself.
Anywhere inside the box he is a threat, with either foot or with his head, but Benzema's real strength—and the reason Real still play him—is that he works tirelessly to combine with and fashion spaces for other attackers, especially those cutting infield off either flank.
Benzema guarantees 20 a season in all competitions—but you can bet if he went elsewhere and a more "goalscoring" forward took his place, it would have a knock-on effect on Real's style of play and the impact of other attackers in the team.
13. Luka Modric, RMA
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Luka Modric has gradually moved further back down the pitch since joining Real Madrid, shifting from a central attacker to deep holder and part of the double pivot, a similar role to that which he performs for Croatia.
His industry and work rate, his battling qualities and willingness to put in challenges mean he is suited to the role—but they are far from his best traits. Modric is a schemer, a fantastic manipulator of the ball who can find space and execute the perfect pass to exploit it.
He doesn't contribute too many goals, though those he does are often spectacular, but his link play from midfield to final third is imperative in this Real team and, after a season of too many injuries last year, they'll hope to have him available far more regularly this time around. His presence more frequently could have made things a lot different in the title race last term.
12. Dani Alves, FCB
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Our highest-rated full-back, Dani Alves has been nothing short of world class and defining in the role for years now, with Sevilla and with Barcelona.
The Brazilian has had short spells where his form dips—the first half of last year was such an example—but overall he has every key attribute you want in an offensive player from that position: lightning pace, non-stop stamina, good delivery from wide areas and tenacity in the challenge. Defensively, he recovers his position extremely quickly, he covers inside when teams attack the opposite flank and he is always alert to support counter-attacks.
One of the most regular feeders of chances to the front three, Alves' influence over the years means it wasn't surprising when he was handed a new deal at the end of last season.
11. Toni Kroos, RMA
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German central midfielder Toni Kroos is another who, like Modric, has been asked to operate slightly deeper at his current club than where he most frequently did at Bayern Munich—but it hasn't dulled his impact much, with Kroos a vital part of the team last term.
His passing range is phenomenal, and his set-piece delivery is perhaps bettered only by Koke for effectiveness and consistency.
Kroos holds the midfield more with positional work than actual defensive acumen, though he does rack up an important amount of interceptions in any given game thanks to his reading of events unfolding. There's no doubt he'd be more effective individually when further forward, but for the team perspective, it's great for Real to have Kroos starting attacks from deeper, with other talents in front.
10. Javier Mascherano, FCB
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Into the top 10 we go, and we begin with Barcelona's hybrid centre-back, Javier Mascherano.
The Argentinian defensive midfielder is one of, if not the best in the world in his natural position, stopping attacks with great short-distance acceleration, fearless challenges and unrivalled organisational skills of the team around him.
At the Camp Nou he operates one position further back, central defence as the last line of cover to sweep up and intercept behind a midfield arrangement that inevitably dominates most matches. Aerial prowess isn't a strength, but you could hardly call it a weakness either for a player who overpowers many forwards, while it's a rare occasion that sees him bested one-on-one.
As for last-ditch tackles and blocks, there are few you'd want in place more to make them than Mascherano.
9. Sergio Busquets, FCB
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Edging just ahead of his team-mate is Sergio Busquets, a more refined and cultured player on the ball than Mascherano though without his relentless aggression and acceleration.
What both players have is absolute timing and reading of the game, an ability to win back the ball and quickly lay it off to others—preference on who is better can come down to small margins and which key traits you want from your deepest midfielder.
In any case, Busquets is a great mind to have on the field and dictates play around him, always requesting possession to recycle and begin another phase of domination.
8. Diego Godin, ATM
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If Pique is La Liga's standout on-the-ball centre-back, Diego Godin rules the roost for those who are all about the defensive traits: desire, strength, tackling, aerial battles and organisation.
The Atletico Madrid man is peerless in many of those traits, the embodiment of Diego Simeone's requirements for the team and a big reason for Atleti's defensive solidity over the past few seasons. With the manager building from the back and achieving success by doing so, he needs a world class centre-back in place.
That's exactly what he has with Godin.
7. Sergio Ramos, RMA
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And so to our highest-ranked centre-back overall. Sergio Ramos isn't everybody's favourite player thanks to his two-footed tackles, argumentative nature and, for some, simply the fact he's now the Real Madrid captain...but he's a mighty fine player nonetheless—maybe the most complete centre-back in world football.
He has the composure, confidence and skill on the ball of Pique and the resilience, aggression and tenacity of Godin.
Ramos is impetuous and rage-fuelled at times, but those attributes merely add to his game, not detract from it—at least they do until suspension inevitably hits. He's a born stopper of opposition attacks and continually gets his team back on the front foot once possession is won—and he contributes a fair few goals, too.
6. Gareth Bale, RMA
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Forgetting for a moment that Gareth Bale's every exit from the pitch is being booed by the Real Madrid crowd at present, the Welshman was a top Premier League player for two years before joining Real—he had a very effective first season in Spain and then dropped off last year.
He's immensely powerful, has pace to burn and can lash in shots from all angles and all distances—and he's better at free-kicks than Cristiano Ronaldo, too.
Now being tried in a more central role for the coming season, don't be surprised to see Bale bounce back with bucketfuls of goals once Real click under Rafa Benitez. He's still a very, very good player and is hugely effective in the final third.
5. Neymar, FCB
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One third of Barcelona's MSN attack, Brazilian forward Neymar finished as joint-third top scorer last year in La Liga after hitting 22 strikes—and 39 in all competitions.
He was already a household name the world over before moving to the Catalan side two years ago, having flourished with Santos and then the Brazil national team, which he now captains at just 23 years of age. With close to 50 international goals to his name, his pedigree is unquestioned; he took Brazil to the quarter-finals of the World Cup before injury denied him any further participation in 2014 and then went on to win the treble with Barcelona last season.
Sublimely talented with the ball at his feet, composed inside the penalty box and with great acceleration, Neymar's success at his current club is centred not only around his own individual skill, but also his understanding with his team-mates. Add more consistency to his top-level game and he's one of the world's best. As it is, he'll still run things close for top honours in La Liga.
4. Luis Suarez, FCB
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Having endured a suspension held over from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suarez's Barcelona career got off to a later start than he would have liked—but he didn't take long to find his feet last season and set La Liga alight.
Playing as the central striker in the most dangerous three-man attack in world football, Suarez rattled in 25 goals in double quick time, all the while providing a huge number of assists throughout 2014-15. That all came after a top-scoring season in England with Liverpool, where he almost won the Premier League. Last season with Barcelona, of course, he was a huge part of winning the treble: Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey.
Aggressive, impetuous, touched by genius and madness alike and with a penchant for the sublime, Suarez is an unstoppable force of nature who will likely tear through the 30-goal barrier once again this coming season.
3. Andres Iniesta, FCB
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The first podium place in our rankings is taken by Barcelona's new captain Andres Iniesta.
The playmaking midfielder remains an absolute icon on the world football stage, and his talents on the pitch are not dulled or made less important by a shift in the team's style last season—he simply operates a little earlier in attacking moves than he used to.
Great feet for dribbling, good agility and a range of passing that few can ever hope to match in their careers, Iniesta is perhaps the last bastion of invincibility that embodies the great Spain side of 2008-2012. He remains pivotal to Barcelona's methods and is far, far from finished. A genuine world class talent.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, RMA
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The top two everybody knows, and they'd be the same two whether we're ranking La Liga or the entire planet.
Cristiano Ronaldo takes second place: an irrepressible goalscoring machine who is unstoppable once he embarks on a run from left to centre or straight up the middle of the pitch. His dribbling, now simply a resource to beat players rather than a showboating exercise more often than not, is just one aspect of his all-round attacking game that puts him head and shoulders above most others.
Great pace and power, relentless shooting opportunism, a heading ability that many defenders simply can't cope with and, above else, a consistency that only one other can match—No. 1 or 2 in the league or the world, you can't really argue with either.
He was top scorer last season and probably will be again this—Ronaldo is a phenomenon.
1. Lionel Messi, FCB
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Top of our charts heading into the new season is the same man who topped our rankings at the end of 2014-15, Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
An outrageously gifted footballer, Messi does things to defenders on the run, surrounded by two or three at a time, that most other attackers couldn't do at a walk. He's clinical, resilient to constant attacks by defenders, competitive and able to score all types of goals, from solo runs to set pieces and first-time finishes.
Tellingly, Messi is equally adept at playmaking as well as scoring, finishing top of the assists charts for La Liga last term. Whether centrally or roaming from the channel, Messi is untameable and one of the greatest talents the world has ever seen.
Our No. 1 for the 2015-16 season.
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