Robert Lewandowski, the undisputed leader as we look at the best performing players 11 at halfway stage of La Liga 2023.
La Liga has been an elite league for many decades now and has produced one of the best players in the history of the game. One of the greatest of our generations have been part of La Liga, and have competed against each other. Players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Lewandowski and many others have kept this league as one of the best entertainers in the world.
The 2022-23 season is high on expectations and has delivered great performances and matches so far. Teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid have shown stellar performances and are at the top of the table at present. But if you look at the individual performances, we’ll find many players from other clubs as well dominating the statistics.
Looking at the top goal scorers, Lewandowski is topping the charts with 13 goals but players like Karim Benzema and Joselu are chasing him and might have a chance to win the prestigious Pichichi Trophy. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated this chart for more than a decade, but now we’ll see new names on top.
Stats Wizard Methodology:
To select the best players 11 for La Liga 2022-23 at halfway stage, we have taken various skill sets into consideration. We have taken a position-wise selection for the team. Each skill set has been given a different weightage in our calculations. In case of a tie among players, the level of opposition has been taken into consideration.
Attack: We have analyzed the forward line performances basis the attack rating calculated from the overall aspect of the game such as goals scored, assists, shot accuracy, touches inside the box, successful dribbles, and offsides.
Midfield: Again, we have analyzed the midfield performances by looking at the various aspects like goals scored, assists, total passes, pass accuracy, touches, successful dribbles, duels, duels won, and interceptions.
Defense: Defensive skill sets which are included in our selection criteria are clean sheets, tackles, tackles won, duels/duels won, aerial duels won, clearances, interceptions, block shots, crosses, assists and goals.
Alright then, let’s look at the best players 11 at the halfway stage of La Liga 2023.
Goalkeeper:
Fernando Martinez (Almeria)
The league with Ter Stegen and Thibou Courtois doesn’t allow anyone else to top these rankings. But we have been pretty fair on the selection of the players in this list. Irrespective of where their team stands on the table, it’s important to appreciate the best players.
The Spanish keeper, Fernando Martinez has done tremendously well till now. Even with a weaker defensive line-UP, he has kept his team in the game in many instances. He has already made 71 saves in the tournament against 39 and 36 of T.Courtois and Ter Stegen respectively.
Defence:
David Garcia (Osusouna)
The 28-year-old, David Garcia has been in top form this season. He has been a utility player for his manager. His ability to play as a center back and center midfielder give him a lot of scope to help out his team is different situations. He has made 89 clearances as a CB for Osusouna till now, and has been the backbone of his team’s defense.
David Alaba (Real Madrid)
The former Bayern Munich man, David Alaba had big shoes to fill. He was expected to replace Real’s legend Sergio Ramos in the starting 11. And for sure he hasn’t disappointed anyone with his ability to play as a central defender, full back and all-action midfielder. He has been rock solid with his partner Eder Militao in defense and has also contributed in 4 goals for the team. Such a useful player that Madrid has got and that too for free.
Reinildo Mandava (Atletico Madrid)
Reinildo has been a consistent, yet one of the most underrated defenders in the league. The Athletico Madrid player is a solid center-back who is strong in his duels and precise in his tackles. He has played all 18 matches for Athletico and has almost 70% of successful tackles and almost 60% of aerial duels won.
Julias Kounde (Barcelona)
The 24-year-old French international, Julias Kounde is one of the most promising defensive players in the world right now. He has played 11 games for Barca this season, and has 2 assists to his name. Kounde is quick, strong and has a really good long-ball distribution. He has had more than 67% tackle success ratio. His inclusion in the French national team has given him a lot of confidence and that is shown in his performances recently.
Midfielders:
Antonio Grizeman (Atletico Mardid)
This guy is literally everywhere on the field. You’ll find him running all across the pitch, winning the ball, making crucial passes, assisting and even scoring goals. He has had a brilliant footballing season so far. From performing outstandingly well in the FIFA WC to delivering top-class football in the league. He has played all 19 games for Athletico Madrid this season, and has already provided 6 goals and 6 assists.
Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
One of the most exciting footballing talents in the world right now, Ousmane Dembele has proved his worth in every game that he plays. His ability to use both feet is a treat to watch and his control over his skills even makes his opponents, his fans.
The French international has played all the matches for Barca till now and has provided 5 goals and 5 assists. There are very few in the league who can match his skill level. He can be a star in the coming future if he keeps performing the way he is doing now.
Rodrygo Silva (Real Madrid)
The young exciting talent that Real Madrid would try to make the most of in the coming years is Rodrygo. At just 22, he is making an impact in one of the toughest leagues in the world. Real Madrid spent 45 million euros on this 18-year kid in 2019, and for sure he is worth every penny.
Playing 16 games for Real so far, he has already scored 4 goals and has provided 5 assists. His hunger for goals is increasing every season, he has 45 shots on goal this season already compared to 34 shots in the entire last season.
Forwards:
Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
The story of young Vinicius Jr. is similar to Rodrygo Silva. The 22-year-old was signed as an 18-year-old kid by Real Madrid at a price of 45 million Euros and now is one of the best-emerging talents in the world. Hats off to Real Madrid’s scouting team for finding and bringing in such wonderful talent to the league.
No doubt he is the smartest mind and fastest body on the field. He works tirelessly to improve his game, and has shown immense improvement every season. Last season, he scored 17 goals and 11 assists as compared to only 3 goals and 3 assists in the 2020-21 season. And this year, he has 6 goals and 3 assists already in just 18 games.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
This name needs no introduction. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has been in top form even after the injury he had in the second half of 2022 due to which he was ruled out of the FIFA WC. The 35-year-old is not stopping any soon and is competing with the best-attacking talents in the world and outperforming them. He has played only 11 games this season, but has scored 9 goals and 1 assist already. His hunger for scoring goals and his never give up attitude has been key for his success all these years.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Let me present to you the undisputed leader of the pack with 13 goals and 4 assists to his name in just 15 games this season, Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski’s performance in till now for Barcelona has been a strong reply to everyone who said that he won’t be able to score as many goals in La Liga as he use to do in Bundesliga.
The classic forward, who has 55 shots and the highest shot success rate of 54.5% and has made a statement with his performance. He is expected to become more lethal as he has started settling down well with the team now. It’ll be interesting to see what’s there to offer is the second half of the season.
La Liga 2023 – Mid Season Combined Best Performing Players 11:
Fernando Martinez [gk], David Garcia, David Alaba, Reinildo Mandava, Antonio Grizeman, Ousmane Dembele, Rodrygo Silva, Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema & Robert Lewandowski
Thanks for reading! What’s your best players 11 so far for LA Liga 2023? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com
ALSO READ: Exclusive: The Highest Paid Football Players 11 of 2023
Himanshu is an author at Footbalytics. He is a sports freak and Football is his first love. He is a National level football player himself. With the world full of Messi’s, Ronaldo’s and Gerrard’s fans, he is a die hard fan of Iker Casillas.
Though he is a Sales Manager by profession, he would never miss playing football with his mates.
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