It would be a lie to say that the 2014-15 La Liga season was anything but a surprise when it came to the winner.
Many followers would know the top positions are mainly contested by the select few clubs whom clearly have spent the money in an attempt to attain continuous success.
Despite this, several strange upsets did occur this season, including the forever coveted Real Madrid not winning any form of silverware which just yesterday lead to the sacking of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Many records were equalled and broken with La Liga supporters worldwide stunned in their seats.
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (FC Barcelona)
The Chilean became Barcelona’s number one goalkeeper following the departure of Victor Valdes, and he had a grand position to fill.
Yet he took to his new role like a duck to water despite criticisms of his abilities given his ripe-old age of 32. Bravo proved himself worthy of the position and made 37 appearances for the Catalans in the domestic league.
Indeed, Barca’s season was characterised by only 21 goals being conceded with the Chilean having 23 clean sheets, which of course is not only a testament to his capabilities but also to that of his defence whom were for the most part, quite solid.
Left-back: Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona)
If one was to describe the Spaniard in a few words, those words would be speed, power and accuracy.
The 26-year-old Spaniard is well known for his pace and ability to grind down opposition with his quick feet and pitch awareness. This makes him a perfect left-back due to his capability to retreat back into the defensive lineup when required.
Additionally his desire to come forward on every occasion makes him the perfect addition to any side as he created 27 chances for his side during the 2014-15 season.
Central-defender: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
The place goes deservingly to Uruguayan defender Godin, whose defensive abilities outshone those of his teammates.
His solid play and minimal errors for Atletico has sparked interest from clubs such as Manchester United.
The 29-year-old has a passing accuracy of 76% and also scored on three separate occasions for the Rojiblancos.
He would pair well with Ramos to form a formidable defensive lineup. It is highly unlikely that Diego Simeone will give this player up without a fight, however.
Central-defender: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
It was not exactly the perfect season for the Spanish giants, however few players continually stood out from the mass. The 29-year-old was one of such competitors.
What set the Spaniard apart from his teammates was his solidarity in the face of continual attacking threats from opposition squads, which of course is relatively unheard of in the presence of La Liga royalty.
Yet his controlling presence was at times the key factor for the side whose defence conceded several goals due to the lack of structure and order in defence. Ramos was a key figure whom directed and ordered the back line into place and he was not afraid to come forward when required. When he did, he scored four goals for Los Blancos.
Muy Bien Sergio!
Right-back: Dani Alves (FC Barcelona)
It has been an interesting season for the Brazilian as he continually claims there is an absence of respect shown towards him with regards to his contract, so who knows what might happen to the 32-year-old next season?
However, Alves, like Alba, is your typical attacking right-back who could function as midfielder as he is always tearing up the right flank for the Catalans.
Alves is a product of Brazilian football, whose fluent and attacking mentality really resonates with him. It has resulted in 40 chances created for the side while still remembering his defensive duties and tracking back for the side.
If he leaves, Barca will have big shoes to fill.
Left-midfielder: Isco (Real Madrid)
Gone are the powerhouse days of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez and in comes the era of Isco.
The talented Spaniard was given more time on the pitch due to the injuries to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
His on-field performances speak for themselves with 53 chances created for the attack.
The 23-year-old is versatile and can play in many roles. When on the pitch, however, he is known to drop back into a central-midfield role and dictates play from that position.
It is most definitely Isco’s time to shine.
Central-midfielder: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
The German international was and is a vital cog in the wheel when it comes to the success of his club and country.
The 25-year-old is known for his vision as well as his passing accuracy, long balls and his ability to create chances for his fellow teammates.
He is a technically sound player according to German coach Joachim Loew.
In his 36 appearances for Real this season, he has scored twice and created a total of 70 chances.
Right-midfielder: Koke (Atletico Madrid)
The young star has spent all of his footballing career at the Rojiblancos and is well known for his passing as well as his ability to create attacking opportunities.
At age 23, the star is already making waves in Spain being called up for national team duties in 2013.
He has scored only twice this season with Atletico, yet has created a total of 64 chances for his side, the most of any player in the team.
A definite rising star of the future.
Forward: (left) James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
The Columbian wonder-kid has had an excellent first season with Real.
What places the talented young star above all else is his adaptability, where he can play as a winger, central midfielder as well as a playmaker.
The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals in his debut season in Spain and has created a total of 77 chances for his side.
He was favoured by former coach Ancelotti and will be a crucial player for club and country in years to come.
Forward: (central) Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Like Ronaldo, the Argentinian is a footballing sensation and is viewed by many as the perfect footballer.
Easy to see why.
The 27-year-old has scored 43 goals this season and has regularly been involved in Barca’s attack, creating a whopping 93 chances.
Messi’s height is an added bonus. He is agile, quick, and renowned for his finishing, stamina, balance, positioning and quick reactions on the pitch.
So he is pretty much perfect in all areas…
Need one say more?
Forward: (Right) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Anyone would have to have lost their marbles not to include the Portuguese in their starting XI.
At the ripe age of 30, the superstar continually aims to do better than previously and continually succeeds in doing so.
There is no record that the talisman has not levelled if not superseded or come close to doing so. Everything is within the grasp of this star and no matter what he will go down in the record books as being one of the best of all time. Of course, he does have help from his very supportive teammates.
His pace, power and athleticism is changing the face of Spanish football and is attracting crowds from everywhere.
This season alone he has scored eight hat-tricks, become the all-time top goal scorer in the Champions League, the second highest goalscorer in Real’s history and the list goes on and on.
His dominating presence is a major asset to any starting XI.
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