La Liga is home to some of the top football players on the planet, as well as the world's two most powerful clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Spanish football has made a significant contribution to the sport as a whole. Spain and La Liga are known for their possession-based style of play that emphasizes short passes and space creation. The 'tiki-taka' style of football popularized by the great Barcelona and Spanish clubs of the past is a good example. When it comes to the Spanish football style, the midfield is the most critical cog in the machine. La Liga has produced some of the greatest midfielders in the game's history. The question immediately arises: Who are the top five midfielders in La Liga history?
Xabi Alonso (#5)
Xabi Alonso is recognized as one of his generation's most complete midfielders. His passing range was unrivaled, and he was a gifted goal scorer. He thrived in a deep-lying role where he could combine his gift of passing with defensive finesse, and his defensive workrate sometimes went unnoticed. In his playing days, he was a set-piece expert who scored a lot of free kicks and penalties.
At the age of 18 years old, Alonso made his La Liga debut with Real Sociedad in 1999. He made an impression at Los Txuri-Urdin, earning a transfer to Liverpool in 2004 and winning the UEFA Champions League the following season.
In 2009, he signed for Real Madrid and quickly established himself as one of the league's most significant players. He won a La Liga title, a Champions League trophy, and two Copa Del Rey titles during his time at Madrid. In addition, he won two European Championships in a row with Spain in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Luis Suarez (#4)
Suarez is widely regarded as the first global superstar to emerge from Spain. From 1955 through 1961, he was a graceful playmaker who commanded Barcelona's midfield. In 1960, he became the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or.
Suarez had a fantastic career at Barcelona, winning two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey medals, and two European Fairs Cups. When he signed a £142,000 contract with Inter Milan in 1961, he became the world's most expensive footballer.
His ingenuity helped Spain win the European Championship for the first time in their history in 1964. Suarez was a major celebrity in Spain and throughout the world. He was known as 'El Arquitecto,' or 'The Architect,' since he was often in charge of his team's offensive play.
Luka Modri (#3)
Modric is the only active player on the list, and he is also one of the most underappreciated. He is still the engine for his squad at 36 years old, putting up world-class performances on a weekly basis. Modric is a complete player who excels as a dribbler and playmaker while also assisting on defense. He's recognized for his tremendous passing range and long shots.
Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur. At his first season in La Liga, he struggled and was even voted 'the worst signing in La Liga' in 2012. He did, however, gradually integrate into his new squad, rapidly establishing himself as one of Madrid's top players.
Modric won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, ending a 10-year duopoly between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He single-handedly led Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final and led Los Blancos to their third consecutive Champions League title.
In Real's midfield, Modric has made over 420 appearances and forged a formidable partnership with Toni Kroos and Casemiro. The trio achieved an incredible feat by winning four Champions Leagues in five years.
Xavi Hernandez (#2)
Xavi represented Barcelona and the Spanish style of play. Xavi, a product of Barcelona's renowned La Masia institution, honed the skill of 'tiki-taka.' The Spaniard was a brilliant footballer who always seemed to be one step ahead of his opponents.
The 42-year-old was a master at creating space in crowded situations and rapidly exchanging passes with his colleagues to break down the opposition's defense. Xavi dominated the play and controlled the tempo of the game. He was the fulcrum around which Barcelona's defense became an offense. In Barcelona's midfield, he developed a powerful partnership with Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.
Xavi had a fantastic career, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. He made over 130 games for his country and won the European Championship twice and the FIFA World Cup once.
In November 2021, the 42-year-old was offered the chance to carry on his Barcelona legacy. He was named manager with the goal of returning the team to the top of world football.
Andres Iniesta (#1)
Andres Iniesta was a joy to watch, with his flowing game, impeccable vision, and effortless skill establishing him as one of the best players in the game's history. Iniesta attended La Masia, a prestigious Barcelona academy. At the age of 18, he made his Barcelona debut in 2002. With his boyhood club, he has won a total of 29 trophies.
Between 2008 and 2012, Iniesta was a member of a Barcelona side that was coached by Pep Guardiola and was possibly the greatest club team in the history of the game. With Xavi and Lionel Messi, he forged an unbelievable relationship that helped Barcelona dominate European football.
For the Catalan club, the small midfielder has made over 670 appearances. With the Blaugrana, he won nine La Liga titles, four Champions League medals, and three FIFA Club World Cups, among other accolades.
Many considered Iniesta to be the best midfielder of his generation. After scoring the winning goal for Spain in the FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands in 2010, he finished third in the Ballon d'Or vote. Iniesta, like Alonso and Xavi, won the same three international awards while playing for La Roja. A true legend of the game and possibly the greatest Spanish player of all time.
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