It has been a quite extraordinary La Liga season for Barcelona, eventually finishing two points clear of Real Madrid to regain the title in style.
There is talk of a crisis at the Bernabeu, but finishing just two points shy of this Barcelona team is hardly disastrous – although it did cost Carlo Ancelotti his job - and as expected, both of these sides would dominate a league XI.
Outside of the top two in Spain, there have been a number of fine performers that might not be recognised due to the domination of Barcelona and Real Madrid, who eventually finished 14 and 16 points clear of the chasing pack.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has selected its own La Liga Team of the Season, but decided to not take into consideration players from either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
There are some familiar names in the alternative lineup and the team on display would certainly give Barcelona and Real Madrid a run for their money.
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Perhaps a strange choice for some, but Fabricio has been a key part of Deportivo's survival this season. The 27-year-old was in fine form in his team's 2-2 draw at Barcelona on the final weekend of the campaign and has, quite incredibly, kept 11 clean sheets in the league this term. The Spaniard has had an extremely busy season between the sticks, but has stood up when needed.
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The Spaniard played a key role in Atletico's title success last season and he has had another solid campaign for the capital outfit. Four league assists have arrived from right-back, while the Spanish international has been a key part of the second-best defence in La Liga this term. It has not been the season that Atletico would have wanted, but Juanfran can be delighted with his overall level.
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The Uruguay international was arguably the standout centre-back in European football last season and despite Atletico's level dropping, Godin has been solid as a rock once again. As mentioned above, Atletico had the second-best defensive record in Spain this season with just 29 goals conceded, while Godin also came up with three goals from the back, which is always invaluable.
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If reports are to be believed, the Argentine defender is bound for Manchester United after the Copa America this summer. The 27-year-old has made 35 league appearances for Valencia this season and scored six times – including a vital header in Los Che's final league game of the season at Almeria. The centre-back has been an absolute rock and arguably the best defender in Spain this season.
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Just 20 years of age, the left-back has quickly developed into one of the finest attacking defenders in European football. The Spaniard, who only joined the Valencia first team at the start of the campaign, has only missed two of Los Che's 38 league games this season. Defensively sound and with a real eye for a pass in the final third, Gaya is destined for the very top.
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One of three Valencia players in this XI, Parejo has been perhaps the standout midfielder in Spain's top flight this season. The 26-year-old hit 11 goals in 34 league games for Los Che, in addition to providing five assists. The midfielder was always prepared to take hold of the game for Valencia and has led by example. He has come a long way since his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers in 2008.
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When the Pole made the move to Sevilla from Stade de Reims last summer, not many took notice. Well, they are taking notice now. The 25-year-old has developed into one of the finest midfielders in European football, with his performances in the middle of the park outstanding all season. Krychowiak has made 32 league appearances and has always performed to a high level.
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Not a midfielder per se, but the Spaniard simply had to make this team. In 36 league appearances for Celta, the 28-year-old registered 13 goals and 13 assists – making him one of the standout performers in the entire division. Celta managed to finish in eighth spot and there is no question that Nolito played a key role. He had some standout games against the bigger teams this season.
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It has not been the season that Atletico would have wanted, but Griezmann has proved a fine acquisition for the capital outfit this season. He only missed one league game and registered 22 goals, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi hitting more in Spain's top flight. At times, the 24-year-old carried the goal-scoring burden for Atletico and his form has led to talk of a move to Chelsea.
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The 28-year-old has been a real revelation for Sevilla since making the move from Club Brugge and the forward has had another fine campaign. He hit 20 goals in 37 league games for Unai Emery's side and was key in their push for the top four. Sevilla will do well to keep hold of the Colombian this summer, with a number of clubs believed to be preparing offers when the window opens.
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Outside of Spain, not many will be too familiar with Aduriz, but his statistics again speak volumes. The 34-year-old hit 18 goals in 31 league games during the 2014-15 season and also provided four assists. Bilbao struggled for consistency in the early part of the campaign, but their push into the top half coincided with their star striker's flurry of goals. He has had another excellent season.
Matt Law
