No more 100 percent winning records! That was the big news after Match week nine as Barcelona were forced to a goalless draw by Osasuna in Pamplona and Atletico Madrid lost to Espanyol in Catalonia. As is now our tradition here at La Liga Blog, we recognise the big performers all across the ten Primera Division games that took place last week, honoring and rewarding them with a place in our team of the week.
Despite finishing on the losing side, Malaga shot stopper Willy Caballero easily wins our heart as the player to man the goal posts. The Argentine former Elche man was in inspired form as he repelled 13 of the 15 shots on target managed by a rampaging Real Madrid side. In what was a below average team performance from Malaga, Caballero stood high, made a difference and saved his side the embarrassment of suffering a heavy loss.
Our four man defence this week is led on the right by Real Madrid young full-back, Dani Carvajal. The Real Madrid youth team product was a bring spark defensively and offensively for Los Blancos as they continued to press forward for a crucial three points versus Malaga.
The 21-year old had a total of 116 touches-more than any other player in the game- to underline his all-round influence on the match. At centre-back, Osasuna’s Alejandro Arribas wins a shirt after his solid display at the heart of defence for his side against a rampant and in-form Barcelona side. Always at the right place at the right time, Arribas frustrated the attacking threat coming from Barcelona.
It’s a tale of two Alejandros at the heart of defence as Rayo Vallecano man Alejandro Galvez takes a place in the heart of defence as well after he scored the all-important goal for Rayo to give them all three points against Almeria. Finally, completing the defensive line is Sevilla full-back, Alberto Moreno. IT was a dream week for the 21-year old as he goes from making his debut with the Spanish National team to scoring his first La Liga goal…and then makes the cut in our official team of the week.
In Central midfield, Levante’s Senegalese midfielder Pape Diop gets the nod after rising high to lead his unimpressive Levante side to all three points against Celta Vigo. Diop had a bright game as he was always a willing runner for his side. Partnering the Levante man Diop is another goal scorer on match week nine, Mikel Rico. The Athletic Bilbao player continued to reproduce his great recent form at the San Mames as he contributed largely to Athletic Bilbao breaking the resolve of high-flying Villareal, condemning the Valencian side to a 2-0 loss.
Further forward in attacking midfield, Real Valladolid star-man Patrick Ebert was a large influence for his side as the clawed their way back to claim a point at home against Sevilla on Sunday. Ebert continued to ask questions of Sevilla goalkeeper Beto, and didn’t relent until he got his reward with a curling freekick that went into the bottom corner. The German had a total of 6 shots in the match, only matched by Sevilla’s Bacca.
Real Sociedad’s forward Antoine Griezmann is rewarded with a role in attacking midfield after his role in ensuring that his side got all three points from the Mestalla. The Frenchman got the ball rolling for his side, opening scoring just before the half-fime break, the platform on which his side went on to build their 2-1 victory. In-form Getafe man, Pedro Leon completes the attacking midfield roll-call. The former Real Madrid man continued his bright start to the season, scoring and continuously breathing life into his side’s attack in their 2-0 away win at Granada.
Cristiano Ronaldo completes our Team of the Round for Match week 9 after he delivered a tormenting game to Malaga. Always running, dribbling, creating an opportunity , or trying to take one himself, Ronaldo was all over Malaga all night long. A game and Match day high of 11 shots as well as a game high of 3 dribbles, the Real Madrid man gets our nod to start in the centre forward position!
Once again we’ve reeled out our top performers of the past Matchday. Do you agree with us? Do you have a contrary team? Let us know in our comment box below
