Just Football: La Liga 2010-11 Team of the Season (minus Real Madrid and Barcelona)

27 May, 2011 Luke Colbourne Europe, Latest, Spain

So, now that the 2010/11 La Liga season is over, it’s time to look back and pick out some of the standout performers of the last nine months. However, in a cunning twist, I have decided that it would be far more interesting if we just ignored everyone that plays for Barcelona and Real Madrid. I’m sure no one wants to read yet another paragraph about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, so take a look at this lot:

David de Gea (Atlético Madrid)

Once again the 20-year-old stopper has been a key member for Atlético, bailing out an often shaky defence time after time. Surrounded by a team of experienced names, he somehow manages to remain composed figure at all times, keeping things together at the back. As a result of another season of solid performances, many teams have taken an interest, with Manchester United his likely destination.

Substitute: Carlos Kameni (Espanyol)

Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)

Widely considered the second best Spanish right-back in the country, the Basque defender has been brilliant all season for Athletic, eventually helping them to secure a place in the Europa League. Unspectacular, but extremely effective and efficient, he has proved to be a valuable asset down the right hand side in both defence and attack. His talents have not gone unnoticed by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque either; the 28-year-old has recently established his place as a squad member of the national team.

Substitute: Martín Cáceres (Sevilla)

Iván Ramis (Real Mallorca)

Perhaps one of the more underrated players in Spain, the Mallorcan centre-half has been a consistent figure at the back for a number of seasons now. A strong, unfussy defender who always gives his best, he has played his part well all season despite his team’s final day flirt with relegation. Technically not the greatest (which is probably what is holding him back from being called up by Spain), but makes up for that by being a very good tackler and an excellent reader of the game.

Substitute: Alberto Botía (Sporting Gijón)

Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal)

Another result of Villarreal’s South American scouting strategy, the 20-year-old defender has been a revelation since joining from River Plate two years ago. Having spent one season in the B team, he was later promoted to the first team squad by coach Juan Carlos Garrido. Ever since making his debut as a teenager, he has displayed great talent and managed to hold down a place at the back ahead of a number of senior defenders. Villarreal finished with the joint third best defence in the league, and there’s no doubt that the young defender’s presence has been vital to that.

Substitute: Sergio Ballesteros (Levante)

Nacho Monreal (Osasuna)

Osasuna’s undisputed starter at left-back, the 25-year-old has matured into a fine player over the past few years. Noted for his strong attacking presence down the left flank, he has also improved immeasurably as a defender. Quick, technically adept and possessing a great attitude, he is seen by many as the natural successor to Joan Capdevila in the Spanish national team. He may not be the most well-known player around, but he is fully appreciated by everyone who watches him week in week out at the Reyno de Navarra.

Substitute: José Ángel (Sporting Gijón)

Borja Valero (Villarreal)

Without doubt one of the best midfielders in the league, the Villarreal man has been outstanding all season. Elegant on the ball, and a top class passer, his ability to pick out his teammates no matter where they are is second to none. Not only that, he is also versatile, as he has demonstrated by playing in a number of positions throughout the campaign, all to an equally high standard. The Spaniard has played a huge role in his team’s qualification for the Champions League once again.

Substitute: Gabi (Real Zaragoza)

Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)

The Croatian creator only joined Sevilla in January, but his impact has been so great he cannot be ignored. After refusing to sign a new contract at previous club Schalke, he was available at a knock-down price and signed for the Andalucians for a meagre €1.8m – and what a bargain that has turned out to be. He has injected some much needed thrust and dynamism to their midfield, and an attacking impetus that was sorely lacking before he arrived. It’s no coincidence that Sevilla went from mid-table strugglers to end up finishing 5^th, facing the prospect of European football.

Substitute: Tino Costa (Valencia)

Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)

The classy right sided midfielder has been one of the biggest reasons for La Real’s top-flight survival, at times taking it upon himself to drag them out of danger. One of the best players in the league to watch, Prieto oozes style, but is not lacking in substance. He has contributed with 7 goals and 13 assists this season, making him one of the most effective and productive members of any team, never mind his own. Having stuck with them since their last relegation, the fact that he is so loyal to La Real’s cause is just another reason to admire the guy.

Substitute: José Antonio Reyes (Atlético Madrid)

Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal)

Another of the yellow submarine contingent, many argue that the Italian-American forward has been the best player outside of the top two, and there’s certainly a case. Forming a great partnership with Brazilian striker Nilmar, Rossi racked up an impressive total of 18 goals in the league, making him the joint fourth higest scorer alongside David Villa. Skilful, quick and intelligent, he offers an extra dimension upfront. It’s no surprise that the big clubs are hovering around, with Pep Guardiola reportedly interested in taking him to Barcelona.

Substitute: Pablo Osvaldo (Espanyol)

Felipe Caicedo (Levante)

One of the lesser-known names on the list, Caicedo is a 22-year-old Ecuadorian forward on-loan from Manchester City. Not only is he big, strong and fast, he has shown that he also has great ability in front of goal, marking 13 goals in 27 league appearances. To further put his achievements into perspective, Levante looked certain to go down after a poor first-half of the season, but Caicedo’s goals pushed the Valencian team into a safe mid-table position. The second-half of the campaign saw the Ecuadorian flourish under coach Luis García, who would no doubt love to keep hold of him for a little longer.

Substitute: Juan Mata (Valencia)

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

There were so many options to pick from here, but in the end I had to go with the big Basque striker. The man adored in Bilbao led his team back into Europe, collecting 18 goals along the way. As well as playing an important part for his club, Llorente has also become a regular member of the Spanish national team, where again he has been doing what he does best – score goals. Many are even starting to prefer him to Fernando Torres as the main striker, and with very good reason.

Substitute: Roberto Soldado (Valencia)

Just Football would like to extend a warm ‘thankyou’ to Luke Colbourne for his excellent coverage of La Liga this season.

(photo credit: d_isuke on Flickr)