La Liga Team of the Year 2011

La Liga Team of the Year 2011

By Shivashankar

HeaderFooter wishes its readers a wonderful and hay New Year.

On the first day of the New Year, our Spanish editorial head presents you with the La liga team of the year 2011.

Goal keeper

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

It’s pretty simple to imagine how awkward Real Madrid would have fared if not for ‘Saint’ Iker. The pillar of Real Madrid has proved time and again that he is second best to none. Iker created another record by becoming the most capped Spanish goalkeeper, breaking Andoni Zubizarreta's record.

Other contender(s): Victor Valdes(Barcelona)

Defenders:

Daniel Alves (Barcelona)

Alves has made the right side of the defense (or is it midfield?!) his own. No doubts in this regard and he has been a key figure in Pep’s dynamic formation changes between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3. No other serious challenger for the RB position.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Jose Mourinho always gets the best out of his players. He has virtually made stars out of Lampard, Terry, Cole and co. At Real, Sergio Ramos is one of his finest examples of wonderful talent management. Ramos, as a RB, was good, not great. Mou shifted him to the center of the defense in the absence of Carvalho, and has made Ramos one of the most efficient ball winning center halves ever!

Other contenders: Gerrad Pique (Barcelona)

Alvaro Dominguez (Atletico Madrid)

Bemused that this guy has been chosen in this list??!

Dominguez may not be one of the most imposing figures inside the box, like Puyol or Pepe. But what this guy has is his gifted anticipation and timing. He enjoyed a pretty decent year at the Vicente Calderon in the early 2011 and also in the 2011-12 season.

Other contenders: Ballesteros (Levante)/ Inigio Martinez (Sociedad)

Marcelo (Real Madrid)

One of the marauding wing backs in the La Liga. Marcelo rediscovered himself in Mou’s v1.0, and he has upgraded himself to a whole new level in Mou’s v2.0. His performance is quite evident to showcase him as Roberto Carlos’s worthy heir.

Other Contenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona)

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

This guy has been involved in most of Real’s attacks as well as defense. The most consistent player for Real, for a long time now. Those accurate long balls, his trademark sliding tackles and his cool dead ball scenario’s has been improvised heavily under Mou.

Xabi has also been given an added responsibility of giving out on field instruction to team mates (especially Cristiano!). No other real contenders for the defensive midfield position.

Di Maria (Real Madrid)

Maria has made a scintillating impact since his move to Real (not with his dives, but with his play!). He was heavily criticized following a sending off against Levante, but came back very strongly, and has amassed 12 assists and 4 goals to end 2011 as the leading assist provider.

He was also a key part of Real in the early 2011, courtesy his rampaging runs through the flanks and excellent through balls.

Other contenders: Navas (Sevilla)/ Cazorla(Malaga)

Xavi (Barcelona)

Nearing the twilight of his career, Xavi produced yet another masterclass year. Xavi is one of the 3 nominees for the FIFA Golden Ball, this sums as to how wonderful his year was.

Other Contenders: Juanlu (Levante)

Francesc Fabregas (Barcelona)

One of the best transfers of the season. Pep has deployed Cesc as a false 9 and this has paid rich dividends as he has scored 8 and assisted 3. This has been a revelation year for Cesc and definitely a move forward from his Arsenal days.

Other contenders: Iniesta (Barcelona)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Yet another trophy laden season. Probably he will win the Golden Ball as well. Messi has been in excellent form throughout and has also had an amazing consistency. But, will definitely be remembered across Andalusia (especially!) and other parts for his missed penalty versus Sevilla!

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

CR broke the Spanish pichichi record, plundered goals during the entire year of 2011. Currently tops the Liga scoring charts. Hugely remembered for his disastrous flop show in the El Classico. No other top contenders for the forward line of Messi and CR.