La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 31

Formation: 4-1-3-2

Goalkeeper

Victor Valdes (Barcelona) – Made three pivotal saves in El Clasico to deny Real Madrid a comeback. Valdes is proving to be an extremely vital figure in Barcelona’s campaign this term with some miracle saves to rescue his side. The Catalan continues to stake his claim for a place in the Spanish national team for the World Cup.

Defence

Cala (Sevilla) – The 20-year-old star is slowly emerging as Sevilla’s next breakout performer. Following in the footsteps of Sergio Ramos and Dani Alves, Cala has shown traits of a typical, marauding right-back. He netted at the weekend against Malaga and although it was a scrappy bundle-over-the-line, he displayed great awareness in going forward.

Diego Godin (Villarreal) – The Yellow Submarine are returning to form just at the right time of the season and they are exhibiting the kind of tight, stingy defensive displays that made them such a tough nut to crack in recent past seasons. The man at the heart of it all is Godin, who also chipped in with the winning goal against Sporting Gijon.

Gerard Pique (Barcelona) – An absolutely towering performance from ‘Piquenbauer’ in El Clasico as he stuck to Cristiano Ronaldo like glue, shadowing the Portuguese all across the Barca backline. When he wasn’t, he popped up everywhere else to make sure that the rest of the Blancos attack was shut out. With Carles Puyol pushed out to the flanks, Pique was the master and commander.

Ivica Dragutinovic  (Sevilla) – While young Cala starred for the Blanquirrojos on the right, on the other side of the flank is the experienced Drago. The 34-year-old Serbian has made a habit out of terrorising goalkeeper and defenders from wicked freekicks this season and he repeated his trick at the weekend when he set-up his side’s winning goal. 

Midfield

Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao) – The young midfielder is already being tracked by a number of top clubs across Europe, and his performance on Sunday against Almeria is likely to attract even more attention. The 21-year-old scored two of his side’s four goals, including a stunning individual effort when he beat three players inside the box.

Derek Boateng (Getafe) – Despite taking on basement club Xerez, El Geta looked uninspired. One man who did shine was Boateng, who ran tirelessly in midfield looking to put things together for his side. Not only did he tracked back to recover possession, but he also initiated attacks for his side.  

Xavi (Barcelona) – Sometimes, you just have to sit back, enjoy and marvel at Xavi’s work of art. The midfield mastermind was the main reason why the Blaugrana bagged their fourth successive win over Real Madrid. He set up both of Barca’s goals and created two further clear-cut openings for Messi. None of his counterparts in a white shirt could get close to him. Player of the round.

Gonzalo Castro (Mallorca) – The unheralded Uruguayan continues to impress. He has been one of the Balearic Islanders’ best and most consistent performers this season and in the 3-2 win over Valencia, he was in dazzling form as he single-handedly tore apart Los Che’s injury-ravaged defence. He scored the opening goal before setting up the second for Pierre Webo.

Attack

Pablo Osvaldo (Espanyol) – After some poor performances in the first few months of his arrival from Bologna, the Argentine is finally starting to shine. He has now scored four goals in his last six outings and he was instrumental in dismantling Atletico Madrid 3-0. His collaboration with his fellow Espanyol team-mates is also starting to blossom. The Blanc-i-blau might just consider making a permanent move for him.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – Messi seems to be taking turn with Xavi to swoon football fans around the world. After his four-goal heroics in midweek in the Champions League, 'El Mesias' had to take a backseat to his vice-captain. Still, he managed to score the crucial opening goal against Real Madrid and although he missed a chance at another hat-trick, he caused panic in the Blancos defence every time he had the ball.

Valdes

Cala - Godin - Pique - Dragutinovic

Javi Martinez

Boateng - Xavi - Gonzalo Castro

Osvaldo - Messi

Honourable Mentions

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Victor Ruiz (Espanyol)
Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
Toni Moral (Racing Santander)
Igor Gabilondo (Athletic Bilbao)
Pierre Webo (Mallorca)
Nilmar (Villarreal)

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