La Liga Team of the Season so far, including Bellingham and Rodrygo

Cameron Smith

• 24 Dec 2023 16:55 GMT
• 5 min read

This La Liga season has been brilliant so far and there are a number of outstanding players who have shone above the rest in 2023-24.

Girona are fighting Real Madrid for the top flight title, the battle for European places is entertaining as ever and many clubs are set to be drawn into a relegation dogfight.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through our La Liga Team of the Season so far.

GK: Alvaro Valles (Las Palmas)

Only Real Madrid (11) have conceded fewer goals than Las Palmas (15) so far this season, and Alvaro Valles is the main reason for their incredibly defensive record.

Expected Goals suggests he should’ve conceded 9.4 more goals than he has this campaign, which is the best tally of any goalkeeper in Spain.

Las Palmas look set to avoid a relegation fight this season, something they would’ve dreamt about following their promotion to La Liga last year.

RB: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

Dani Carvajal’s Real Madrid career looked as though it was over a few years ago, but he looks as though he may be back to his best.

The Spaniard has two goals and two assists in La Liga this campaign and has played a key role in Real Madrid’s brilliant start to the season.

CB: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid have only conceded 11 league goals this season and Antonio Rudiger has been excellent at the back for Los Blancos.

Eder Militao hasn’t been missed due to the presence of Rudiger and he remains one of the outstanding defenders in world football.

CB: Daley Blind (Girona)

Girona have been the surprise package in European football this season and they are currently level on points with league leaders Real Madrid after 18 matches.

The summer addition of Daley Blind has played a key role in their form this campaign, with the veteran slotting in perfectly to their 3-4-3 system.

Bling’s progressive passing numbers are incredible (7.35 per 90) and he ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for that metric. He is key to Girona’s style of play and is one reason why they look set for a title fight in La Liga.

LB: Joao Cancelo (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s full-back pairing has been a real weak spot in recent years, but they have seemingly fixed it with the loan signing of Joao Cancelo.

The on-loan Man City star is comfortable on both sides of defence and has been a vital weapon for Xavi this campaign. Cancelo’s tally of two goals and one assist in La Liga doesn’t paint the full picture with regards to his attacking input and he will be crucial in the run-in.

A permanent move would be a very wise decision if Barcelona can afford to sign him.

CM: Aleix Garcia (Girona)

This season, Aleix Garcia has arguably been the best midfielder in La Liga not named Jude Bellingham and he has played a crucial role in Girona’s form this year.

Garcia has three goals and four assists from defensive midfield and he has been so influential in 2023-24, especially in regards to his ability on the ball.

CM: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham has been the best signing in world football this season and was therefore a shoe-in to be included in this team.

The England international has 13 goals and two assists in 16 La Liga games, and currently leads the scoring charts in Spain, despite the fact he is a midfielder.

Bellingham has replaced Karim Benzema’s final-third inevitability and could lead Real Madrid to a league and Champions League double if things continue in their current fashion.

CM: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)

Bellingham may have been the star midfielder at Real Madrid, but Federico Valverde has been almost unplayable at times.

The Uruguayan’s energy has allowed Bellingham the offensive freedom to shine, while his all-round game has been flawless.

Valverde may not have Bellingham’s goal-scoring traits, but he’s just as important to Carlo Ancelotti and this season has proved just why.

RW: Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)

Takefusa Kubo has six goals and three assists in La Liga this season, and his form has alerted Manchester United and Real Madrid, both of whom are keen on signing him.

Real Sociedad have been a joy to watch this campaign and Kubo has played a key role in that, with his dribbling and dynamism both vital elements of their system.

ST: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann re-joined Atletico Madrid on loan last summer, but the move was made permanent for just €20 million during the most recent window.

Since his transfer from Barcelona, the Frenchman has been one of the world’s very best players. This campaign, Griezmann has already scored 11 goals and provided two assists in La Liga, while he netted five times in six Champions League group stage games too.

He is the heartbeat of Diego Simeone’s Atleti side and is driving their push for success this campaign. In 2023, there have been very few players, if any, in better form than Griezmann.

Artem Dovbyk and Broja Mayoral are both unlucky to miss out, but Griezmann has been sublime.

LW: Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

With Vinicius Jr suffering a couple of injury issues this year, Rodrygo has been tasked with more responsibility at the Santiago Bernabeu and he has stepped up big time.

After a poor start to the season, the Brazilian has now found his form and although Bellingham has received most of the headlines, he still has a very respectable tally of seven goals and four assists.