La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 1
Goal.com showcases the best XI from the opening round of la Primera...
By Paul Macdonald
Goalkeeper
Dudu Aouate (Mallorca)
After all the trials and tribulations during a traumatising summer for los Barralets, taking a point from Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid was the ideal tonic, and they had their Israeli shot-stopper to thank, as he did his level best to keep los Blancos at bay. He entered into a personal duel with Gonzalo Higuain, and the 'keeper came out on top, denying the Argentine on three separate occassions on the way to a well-earned point.

Defenders
Abdoulay Konko (Sevilla)
The full-back was a key performer for Los Nervionenses in their trip to new boys Levante, finding the net twice, one in either half, to help Sevilla clinch a 4-1 victory. His second in particular rounded off a neat move, and in turn eased the pressure on coach Antonio Alvarez.
Jiri Jarosik (Real Zaragoza)
The ex-Chelsea winger plies his trade in central defence for the La Romareda outfit these days, and was integral to his side leaving Deportivo with a share of the spoils. The home side could not break through a staunch Blanquillos back-line, and the Czech international provided a solid and dependable display to keep Depor at bay.
Jose Nunes (Mallorca)
The experienced 33-year-old rolled back the years in his role as defensive stalwart heroically keeping Real Madrid at bay. Nunes was in the right place in the right time on a number of occasions to thwart Cristiano Ronaldo and company, and his performance was integral to the Islanders holding a Llos Blancos side desperate for victory, and record an unlikely, but no less deserved, share of the spoils.
Midfielders
Joaquin (Valencia)
The wide man was the difference maker as Los Che picked up a 3-1 win versus Malaga. With the score locked at a goal each, Joaquin netted two goals in the space of five minutes, the second in particular a sweet strike, and allowed Unai Emery’s team to escape Andalucia with the points. The former Real Betis man could step up to the mantle this season after the departure of David Silva.
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
The Spanish national hero laid on the first goal and scored the second as the Blaugrana racked up a comfortable 3-0 victory. His goal, a first time volleyed lob from the edge of the area that looped into the net, was a special strike from a special player. Dropped back into midfield when colleague Xavi retired injured, and proved to be just as effective as the conductor of Barcelona's seamless procession to victory.

Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)
The San Sebastian midfielder ensured that the Basque club’s return to the Spanish top flight was a triumphant one, netting the only goal as Villarreal were vanquished 1-0. The 26-year old was the star performer, and capped a superb display by exchanging a neat one-two with Joseba Llorente before rolling the ball into the net.
Jose Reyes (Atletico Madrid)
The former Arsenal attacker showed glimpses last season that he may be rekindling his best form, and this season has started with a bang. A goal in the European Super Cup was followed by a dismantling of Sporting Gijon, showing wing skills rarely showcased in the modern game. He turned full-back Canella inside-out and was one of the stars of los Colchoneros' convincing 4-0 win.
Strikers
Pablo Osvaldo (Espanyol)
The 24-year old proved a hit during his loan spell in Catalunya last season, and he has started this season in style, netting a double as the Blanc i Blau recorded a 3-1 over Getafe. The Argentine’s goals were both opportunistic efforts, and the omens look good for a successful season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
David Villa (Barcelona)
El Guaje made his league debut for the Pep Guardiola’s side and he was a constant menace throughout. He deserved a goal for his efforts, and after having an effort chalked off, guided a supreme header into the corner to issue a warning to the rest of La Liga that he is ready to continue his prolific ways in the shirt of the Blaugrana. His communication and understanding with Lionel Messi bodes well for some dazzling entertainment.
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)
Kun just pipped international colleague Lionel Messi into the XI on the back of his hugely impressive performance versus Sporting Gijon. The Argentine's low centre of gravity saw him slalom through the Rojiblancos back four on numerous occasions, and when dropping deep to collect the ball and drive forward, the Asturias side simply could not handle him. To round it all off, he almost scored a Maradona-esque goal, beating six defenders before the chance was eventually converted by Forlan.
Konko - Nunes - Jarosik
Reyes - Iniesta - Prieto - Joaquin
Aguero - Osvaldo - Villa
Honourable Mentions
Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)
Jonathan de Guzman (Mallorca)
Aritz Aduriz (Valencia)
Luca Cigarini (Sevilla)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Tomas Ujfalusi (Atletico Madrid)
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