The very best from Spain’s top tier.
There is something of a gulf in class in La Liga with Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid well ahead of the rest and CaughtOffside’s top 20 players from the division reflects this.
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20. Paco Alcacer, Valencia
Just sneaking in is this emerging talent from the Mestalla Stadium, who has already broken into the Spain national team and scored his first goal aged 21-years-old.
19. Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
Impressed at Real Sociedad over the past two years and as a result Atletico swooped in and snapped up the France international.
18. Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid
This Uruguay international plays an important part in Diego Simeone’s side, marshalling the defence brilliantly.
17. Koke, Atletico Madrid
Has been greatly impressive at his boyhood club and whilst others around him left, this attacking midfielder stayed with the reigning champions.
16. Ivan Rakitic, FC Barcelona
Was among the finest midfielders in Europe last term for Sevilla and as has become common in Spain, Barca signed him as a result.
15. Arda Turan, Atletico Madrid
A great attacking presence from the flank and adds a real threat to the front line.
14. Mario Mandzukic, Atletico Madrid
With Diego Costa being sold to Chelsea no time was wasted in finding a replacement in the shape of this Croatian.
13. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
Is often overshadowed in attack by a certain Ballon d’Or winner, but there is no doubting Benzema’s talent.
12. James Rodriguez, Real Madrid
Became the fourth most expensive player of all-time this summer after signing from AS Monaco for £63m.
11. Sergio Busquets, FC Barcelona
Often underrated by many this defensive midfielder does the unselfish job of breaking up play in front of the defence and allowing the more creative stars to shine.
10. Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
May not have had the best 2014 World Cup campaign with Spain, but this versatile defender has been a stalwart for club and country for some time.
9. Javier Mascherano, FC Barcelona
Whether as a holding midfielder or centre-back this Argentine brilliantly combines skill with physicality and grit.
8. Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
Signed from Bayern Munich for the bargain price of £19.8m on the back of helping Germany to World Cup glory.
7. Luka Modric, Real Madrid
Struggled when he first arrived in Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, but is now one of the best box-to-box midfielders in world football.
6. Neymar, FC Barcelona
Has perhaps not quite reached the heights that were first expected of him, but this Brazil international is certainly a unique talent.
5. Gareth Bale, Real Madrid
Became the most expensive player in history upon completing his £85.3m transfer and is doing his best to live up to that.
4. Andres Iniesta, FC Barcelona
With Xavi coming towards the end of his career this 30-year-old is having to reign in his attacking nous to sit a bit deeper, but is good enough to do it.
3. Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona
Having scored 31 Premier League goals with Liverpool in 2013/14 the Catalans were moved to pay a whopping £75m for this South American.
2. Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona
It may be a controversial decision but we have put Messi in second place despite his almost superhuman goalscoring record.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Top of the pile is the current holder of the Ballon d’Or and someone who continues to defy expectations as he just scores and scores for Los Blancos.