2021/22 La Liga team of the season
Real Madrid may have run away with the title in the end but there was still plenty to enjoy about La Liga this season.
Despite naysayers predicting the demise of the league following the departure of Lionel Messi and Los Blancos' failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, several new stars rose up to fill the void.
Here is your La Liga team of the season...
1. GK - Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois saved Real Madrid's skin on many occasions en route to La Liga glory this season.
His displays in Spain have catapulted him back into the 'best goalkeeper in the world' conversation, too (yes, even in England).
2. CB - Jules Kounde (Sevilla)
2021/22 was another season of progress for one of the best young defenders on the planet, Jules Kounde.
Kounde's assertive defending and brave line-breaking passing were a big reason for Sevilla qualifying for the Champions League and even mounting a title challenge during the early stages of the campaign.
His likely departure to Chelsea this summer will be a huge loss for La Liga.
3. CB - Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
Both David Alaba and Eder Militao enjoyed strong seasons but the Brazilian just about shades it as he was slightly more available throughout the title-winning season.
Militao also chipped in with four goal involvements. Not bad for a centre-back.
4. CB - Diego Carlos (Sevilla)
Diego Carlos has joined Aston Villa since the season ended and he signed off from Sevilla in the best way possible.
Alongside the aforementioned Kounde, Carlos helped his side record one of the best defensive records in Europe. His distribution from the back was pinpoint more often than not too.
5. RWB - Ousmane Dembele (RWB)
Okay, we admit it - this is a bit dodgy, he's obviously not a wing-back. However, we just had to fit Ousmane Dembele into our team somewhere.
In the closing stages of the season Dembele reminded us why Barcelona were making such a fuss over keeping him, tearing left-backs apart for fun.
He ended the campaign with 13 La Liga assists from just 15 starts.
6. CM - Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Once again Casemiro found himself towards the top of the interceptions, blocks and tackles standings this season.
He continues to provide his side with a world-class base to build from in midfield and just shades out the equally timeless Sergio Busquets for a spot in our team.
7. CM - Dani Parejo (Villarreal)
What a signing Dani Parejo has proved to be for perennial overachievers Villarreal.
The creative fulcrum of Unai Emery's rag-tag band of brothers ended the campaign with ten assists - a number bettered by just two players.
8. LWB - Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Although Jordi Alba was not particularly showing any signs of regression before this season, the Spaniard took his game to another level when former teammate Xavi returned to the dugout.
A strong finish to the season saw him rack up double-digit assists and he also scored twice. In addition, no outfield player provided more progressive passing yards this season.
9. RF - Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
Every season we expect Iago Aspas to stop scoring at such a phenomenal rate and every season he defies this predictions.
This time he plundered 18 goals for mid-table Celta Vigo and also chipped in with six assists. Long may his career second wind continue.
10. ST - Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
There really is not much more to say on Karim Benzema - of course he's made the team.
27 goals and 12 assists for the Ballon d'Or winner in waiting this time out.
11. LF - Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
This was the season when Vinicius Junior made the step up from exciting prospect to bonafide superstar.
The Brazilian has been a joy to watch all year and helped himself to an incredible 27 goal involvements.