La Liga Player Rankings: Soldado, Griezmann, Vermaelen and More Impress Twice
Welcome back to the player rankings for La Liga, being updated once again for the 2015/16 season as we look to keep track of the best performers in Spain's top flight, ranking them in order of current form over the course of the season.
The rankings are based on the players' last six games, with slightly more emphasis placed on their most recent outings. Only La Liga performances are counted, and, typically, a one-week wonder will not find his way in by default—the team of the week is where you'll find a one-off star.
We look beyond the statistical measures and into the performance—reviewing tape and gauging impact. It's not just goals, assists and heroic clearances that impress; it's about how a player contributes to the tactical plan at hand and what impact he has over a 90-minute period.
Early in the season these rankings are very fluid, with frequent jumps in positions. Last week our 20 was simply those top performances of the opening weekend, while this time around we have put together those who have played well on both weekends, rather than just on one or the other—though a particularly exceptional display in one week could force the issue.
Those who made the rankings last week as well are placed highest this week, making up the positions 12th and above.
20. Carlos Kameni, MGA
1 of 20
New entry
Malaga have only taken one point from their opening two games of the season—but that has been a tough opening against Sevilla and Barcelona. Despite that, only one goal has been conceded, thanks in no small part to goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.
The Cameroonian was at the peak of his powers for most of the match against Barca, making several excellent stops with his trademark reflexes and agility to deny Lionel Messi in particular.
If there was a single mistake in Kameni's game, it was harsh that it came by way of a save parried out into the centre of the box, which was volleyed back in for the winning goal.
19. Marcos Angeleri, MGA
2 of 20
New entry
As well as Kameni, Malaga's top defensive performer has been Marcos Angeleri—a little surprising given his uneven displays at times last season.
Angeleri has partnered both Raul Albentosa and Weligton already this term and has performed steadily with each, not only winning challenges, but also holding the defensive line together with direction and communication.
Aerially he has been strong, and he has been quick to make interceptions and tackles too, benefiting from Malaga's deep line and willingness to attempt to avoid defeat rather than go for the victory themselves.
18. Adrian Gonzalez, EIB
3 of 20
New entry
Eibar's reprieve for an extended top-flight stay certainly hasn't been wasted, with the Basque side winning their opening two fixtures and sitting joint-top of the table.
Critical to their success has been midfielder Adrian Gonzalez—signed from Elche this summer—who has played a big role from the start in both fixtures, scoring in wins over both Granada and Athletic Bilbao.
He has been subbed in both too, having helped his side already gain the upper hand, but his work rate and ability to break into the final third has been a big influence on Eibar's style and success early this term.
17. Gareth Bale, RMA
4 of 20
New entry
Gareth Bale took some criticism in Real Madrid's first game, naturally, because they didn't score and he formed part of the attack in a central role—but, in truth, he was far from awful, even if not near his best in terms of end product.
His performance against Betis, though, was exactly what Rafael Benitez will be looking for from him: powerful drives from deep, shots inside the box and positional exchanges with the wide right player—James Rodriguez in this case.
Bale scored twice against Betis, starting and closing the scoring, and gave a fine insight into how effective he could be in the role this term.
16. Andres Iniesta, FCB
5 of 20
New entry
Bale starts a short run in our rankings of those who were good without excelling on the opening day but immense on the second matchday—Andres Iniesta was the man in Barcelona colours who fit that description.
Against Malaga, Iniesta was crucial to Barcelona's domination; his touch and control were untameable from the away side's point of view, he continually cut them open with short passes between the lines, longer ones to open play up and quick dribbles to evade two or more markers.
The Barcelona captain was simply excellent.
15. Nolito, CEL
6 of 20
New entry
Nolito has won plenty of admirers for his displays with Celta Vigo. He brings a wonderful balance of creativity, goalscoring threat and clever outlet play to his team.
All those traits were on show against Rayo Vallecano, as he in particular helped exploit the opposition's weaknesses while they were down to 10 men—following an early sending off for goalkeeper Tono.
As the game went on, a little extra time on the ball and space for Nolito meant more chances for Celta. He scored one and made the other in the second half, having also initially scored the penalty for 1-0.
Nolito can consider himself unfortunate not to have earned another call-up to the international team in the latest squad.
14. James Rodriguez, RMA
7 of 20
New entry
The best individual display of the new Liga season so far was seen on Saturday, with James Rodriguez scoring two spectacular goals and running Real Betis ragged for large portions of the game as Real Madrid ran out 5-0 winners.
The Colombian was exceptional with his movement and early passes, showed good awareness of when to move higher upfield to link with the striker and was happy coming infield to combine with the central players.
He worked hard to win the ball back and was key to Madrid's excellent all-round display, certainly nailing down his place in the XI for now having only been an impact sub on the opening day.
13. Gabi, ATM
8 of 20
New entry
Gabi has put in two fine performances for Atletico Madrid and was a little unlucky not to make the 20 after the opening weekend, so he is highest out of the new entries after a domineering display against Sevilla.
The holding midfielder was in full destructive mode, breaking up play countless times to stop the home side attacking on the counter in the first half and playing through the massed Atleti ranks in the second. He was aggressive, determined and protected his defence superbly.
Going the other way, Gabi set his team on the attack a number of times and even chipped in with a late deflected goal that settled the match, the second in the 3-0 win.
12. German Lux, DEP
9 of 20
Change: +8
German Lux couldn't keep another clean sheet for Depor this week but still put in an admirable display to limit opponents Valencia to a single goal—and help his side to a 1-1 draw away from home.
The Argentinian was one of the top performing 'keepers on the opening day and kept up that early form at the Mestalla, making a number of routine, but important, saves and handling balls inside his area well— including from crosses aimed toward Alvaro Negredo.
Two draws for Depor is a reasonable return from their start to the season, and they will hope to build on this fine defensive work.
11. Ivan Cuellar, SPO
10 of 20
Change: +2
Ivan Cuellar was our 'keeper of the week last time out and just about retains top spot in his position in the rankings. A clean sheet at Real Sociedad means his Sporting Gijon side have started the year with two 0-0 draws.
La Real didn't threaten him anywhere near as often as Real Madrid did last week, but he still had to produce several stops to deny the likes of Jonathas and Xabi Prieto from long range. He was also needed to race out of his box, or to the edge of it, to intercept through passes.
Not having conceded a Liga goal after two games is exceptional stuff for Cuellar and his defence—though they'll need to show a little more in attack, of course.
10. Antoine Griezmann, ATM
11 of 20
Change: +7
Now into those who managed back-to-back good performances, starting with Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid.
The French forward was one of the important players for his side, off the ball as much as on it, as they defeated Sevilla by an eventual 3-0 scoreline.
Griezmann led the press high up the field in the first half, dropped deep into space to receive possession and ran at the defence—as well as claiming two assists and striking the woodwork late on. His one blot on the copybook was a poor dive just a minute after being booked—he was lucky not to see red.
9. Fabian Orellana, CEL
12 of 20
Change: -1
Celta Vigo's good start to the season will be seen as largely thanks to Nolito, but Fabian Orellana has outperformed him in the early games—he was superb on the opening day and put in another strong display at home to Rayo.
Orellana's direct running off the ball and pace meant that Rayo had to either go with him and open up their defensive lines or else leave him to stay compact, risking him receiving the ball and having a free run into the final third—which he did a number of times.
He wasn't involved in the goals this time but continues to be vital to the way Celta play. Orellana should have a much bigger impact on the team overall this term if he retains his consistency.
8. Inigo Martinez, RSO
13 of 20
Change: +8
Real Sociedad can applaud themselves for having merged what looks like one of La Liga's best centre-back pairings in the opening weeks, with Inigo Martinez starting the season in excellent shape alongside new signing Diego Reyes.
Martinez was very strong with his defensive work against Sporting Gijon, never really giving them a chance to have a clear sight of goal and being aggressive in holding the line outside the penalty box. He made a few charges upfield, too, trying to push his team forward in search of a goal that didn't quite come.
A good start to the campaign for Real Socieded defensively, if not offensively.
7. Juanfran, ATM
14 of 20
Change: +4
Whoever marks the players out of 10 in the Spanish papers (or three, or five, as some of them do) this season might as well mark Juanfran in now for all 38 fixtures—it's an impressive eight all the way.
A very difficult full-back to get past, the right-sided defender made his usual glut of challenges and track-backs against Sevilla to stop the delivery coming in off that flank, even when the fleet-footed Yevhen Konoplyanka came on. The only joy the Ukrainian had was in cutting infield.
Going forward, Juanfran was impressive again in the first half, offering the overlap and pushing right on into the final third to deliver short-range crosses or cut-backs to the attacking midfielders in his channel.
6. Thomas Vermaelen, FCB
15 of 20
Change: +6
With Barcelona's defence still somewhat lacking in numbers due to various unavailable personnel, Thomas Vermaelen has seized his chance and put in two performances to prove his worth in the centre.
After a great display against Athletic on the opening day, Vermaelen followed it up with an almost equally strong defensive performance against Malaga—and also, crucially, popped up to contribute at the opposite end, volleying in a first-time finish after an initial save by Kameni.
The Belgian has strong competition for places once Gerard Pique finishes his suspension, but he is so far showing enough to keep his place.
5. Luka Modric, RMA
16 of 20
Change: -2
Real Madrid's schemer in the opening game, Luka Modric put in another good display against Real Betis to help his side open up the newly promoted team. He didn't, however, need to be quite as full-on as he was against Sporting, thanks to an early strike for his team and the front four all clicking with their rotations and link play.
Even so, the Croatian did well with combination plays between the middle and final thirds, took a few opportunities to run toward the edge of the box and worked hard to win back the ball.
It was an easier day for him than the first match but a fine start to the season nonetheless.
4. Sergi Roberto, FCB
17 of 20
Change: -2
Sergi Roberto came in at No. 2 last week despite not starting the match. That tremendous performance from right-back for Barcelona was almost matched against Malaga, with the youngster in place from the first minute this time.
His delivery was perhaps not quite as on-point as against Athletic, and he didn't link all that much with Leo Messi ahead of him, but he was still an outlet for his team, a continual presence in the final third and he did his defensive work diligently.
Sergi should still have another game or so after the international break before Dani Alves returns to fitness, and he needs to continue showing consistency and having an impact in his game—even though he is out of position.
3. Oliver Torres, ATM
18 of 20
Change: +7
A tremendous performer for Atletico Madrid in their two opening fixtures, Oliver Torres has quickly earned the trust of Diego Simeone to start matches and give the team an unpredictable edge with his footwork, through passes and movement infield.
Against Sevilla, he was much more restricted to the right side and inside channel than his all-over roaming against Las Palmas—naturally given the step-up in opposition quality. But Oliver still managed to find plenty of gaps between the Andalucian team's lines to receive possession, turn and open space for the attackers.
His link play was good, defensively he worked hard and tried to be an outlet on the counter in the second half and overall he played another big part in an important three points until his substitution on 70 minutes.
2. Roberto Soldado, VIL
19 of 20
Change: +2
Roberto Soldado's start to life back in Spain has surely gone better than he could have ever hoped for: two games in the yellow shirt of Villarreal have seen him start both matches, score once in each and claim two late assists at the weekend to help turn the result around and earn a win.
The former Spurs flop managed a tremendous first-time finish on the run to draw his side level with Espanyol on Friday night, before he twice picked out Cedric Bakambu in the closing stages to give his fellow forward close-range finishes for an eventual 3-1 win.
An exceptionally effective start from Soldado.
1. Diego Reyes, RSO
20 of 20
No change
Staying top of our pile is Real Sociedad centre-back and Inigo Martinez's partner Diego Reyes.
The Mexican was again in superb form to deny Sporting's attack with a series of pre-emptive defensive manoeuvres: stepping out of the line to intercept passes, shuttling across to cover behind his team-mate on higher balls and being aggressive aerially.
He was once again composed on the ball and able to pick passes into midfield rather than aimlessly clearing. Reyes looks to be one of the early shouts for signings of the summer—let's see how long he, and La Real in general, can keep this defensive form going.
