La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 23

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

Diego Alves (Almeria) – Against an inspired Atletico Madrid side who are still fresh off last weekend’s win over Barcelona, Alves knew he had to be at his very best to fend off the Mattress Men. And the Brazilian was nothing short of extraordinary, pulling off nine saves in total, including a number of superhuman blocks. His opposite number, Sergio Asenjo was also brilliant.

Defence

Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao) – Saw a last minute penalty saved last week against Villarreal but he made amends somewhat this weekend with a solid outing against Tenerife. He never looked troubled at the back and he was given the freedom to roam forward. Capped off his evening with a goal, shortly after having one disallowed for offside.

Ivica Dragutinovic (Sevilla) – The Serbian was reportedly bound for the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan exit in the summer, but he appears to have found his second wind at Sevilla. He has become a reliable figure in Manolo Jimenez’s backline this season and he scored what was probably the goal of the round with a stunning curling freekick into the top corner from the right touchline.

Rafa Marquez (Barcelona) – Heavily criticised for a reckless lunge on his soon-to-be close nemesis, Sergio Canales. But on the whole against Racing Santander, the Mexican was simply outstanding in defence and offence. Played a looping long ball out of the back to set up the first goal of the night for Iniesta, before getting his own name onto the scoresheet with a sublime freekick.

Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid) – The versatile full-back continues to impress and improve in leaps and bounds whether he’s on the right or the left. He was again dominant defensively, but more crucially for a side like Madrid, he proved that he can contribute in attack as well. Didn’t score this weekend but initiated his side’s third goal with an exceptional 30-yard through ball.

Midfield

Jesus Navas (Sevilla) – After a few low key rounds, the winger is back in the best XI of the week with a typically vibrant display. Showed great awareness and pace to pounce of a defensive lapse to score his side’s equalising goal against Mallorca, before setting up Diego Perotti for the third with a precise run-and-cross to kill off the game and in the process, put an end to the Balearic Islanders’ 100% home record.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) – With inspirational playmaker Xavi absent, Iniesta was expected to step in and assume the role of the architect and conductor. And he duly delivered. Playing through the middle, ‘Don Andres’ quietly pulled the strings in midfield like Xavi would. Finally scored his first goal since that fateful strike at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea last season in the Champions League semi-final.   

Kaka (Real Madrid) – Arguably one of his best games in the famous white shirt, ‘Ricky’ showed some glimpses of his old Milan form. He was a constant threat with his runs through the middle and with his countless through balls. After making two assists last Saturday, he was rewarded this weekend with two goals, the first time he has scored more than one a game with Real Madrid.   

Chori Dominguez (Valencia) – The Argentine has quietly taken his time to settle in to this Los Che side after his winter transfer from Rubin Kazan.  After a few encouraging performances off the bench, he finally made his first start and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Made the assist for Villa in the opening goal and had a few decent scoring chances himself. Welcome to La Liga’s Team of the Week.

Attack

David Villa (Valencia) – Having scored just once in his last four games, ‘El Guaje’ was in irresistible mood with an efficient display infront of goal. His first was a classic striker’s effort when he raced ahead of his marker to finish off a cross from close range, but his second was pure class: a cheeky, deft chip over the Getafe goalkeeper from outside the box out on the left channel.  

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – There’s rarely a La Liga game nowadays where Cristiano doesn’t impress when he’s on the pitch. The flamboyant Portuguese scored the opener against Villarreal with a trademark freekick humdinger and dedicated the goal to the flood victims in his hometown of Madeira. He was also involved in every Madrid attack and had a hand in all five subsequent goals, including two direct assists. Player of the round.

Diego Alves

Iraola - Marquez - Dragutinovic - Arbeloa

Navas - Iniesta - Kaka - Chori Dominquez

Villa - Ronaldo

Honourable Mentions