Jude Bellingham, Antoine Griezmann and Isco… just some of the world-class stars who have dazzled in LALIGA so far this term.
Several players have stood out with their performances in this first half of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS campaign. Some of them have shined due to their ability to find the back of the net, while others have stolen the spotlight because of their leadership on the pitch or their extraordinary skillset when it comes to creating opportunities in the opposition half. Here’s a look at five LALIGA EA SPORTS footballers who have really impressed with their displays in the first half of the season.
Jude Bellingham: Hitting the ground running
England international Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and needed no time to adapt to his new environment. Considered as one of the most talented players in his position, Bellingham attracted interest from several European powerhouses, but his decision to join Real Madrid is already paying dividends. Demonstrating leadership skills despite being just 20 years of age, Bellingham got off to an impressive start by netting in each of Los Blancos’ first four LALIGA EA SPORTS duels. The Englishman scored 13 goals in his first 16 games to top the scoring charts and to demonstrate that, on top of being an exceptional midfielder, he is also a player who knows how to score. If he keeps up this pace, he’ll remain the main front-runner for the Pichichi Award this season.
Antoine Griezmann: Atlético de Madrid’s leader and record scorer
No LALIGA EA SPORTS player scored more league goals (23) or registered more assists (16) than Antoine Griezmann in the 2023 calendar year. The Atlético de Madrid star kicked off this season the way he had ended the previous one. Griezmann netted seven goals in his first nine games this term and, most importantly, seven of his 11 goals across the first 18 matchdays of the campaign were match-winners. Following his return to Los Rojiblancos from his spell at FC Barcelona, Griezmann has managed to win over the fans with his work rate and skillset and recently became the club’s joint-top scorer alongside Luis Aragonés, matching the tally of 173 goals. The France international has carried the team on his shoulders on numerous occasions, showing that he is the team’s leader on the pitch.
Isco: A player rejuvenated
After a frustrating spell at Sevilla FC last season, Isco decided in the summer to stay in the Seville and to join Real Betis. At the beginning of the season, many may have wondered whether the former Real Madrid midfielder still had enough magic in the tank to fill the boots of the injured Nabil Fekir. Isco not only did that, but he also became one of the most outstanding players in the competition. Having won 10 MVP awards in Real Betis’ first 18 games of the season, Isco has become a mainstay in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting line-up. In fact, the 31-year-old midfielder has started every league game possible for the team, only missing one due to suspension. His displays this season have even earned him an early contract extension, with Real Betis announcing on December 28th that Isco has renewed his contract until 2027.
Aleix García: The midfield metronome of surprise package Girona FC
It would be unfair to attribute joint-leaders Girona FC’s incredible first half of the season to just one player. However, there is one man who has been particularly important to Girona FC’s run so far and that is Aleix García. The 26-year-old midfielder is an important cog in Míchel’s well-oiled machine. The Girona FC coach assigned García with the task of dictating the tempo in midfield and the player is fulfilling his duties, contributing the most to the team’s smooth ball circulation across the pitch. His performances this season even earned him a Spain call-up, with García becoming the first Girona FC player to ever debut for the national team.
Borja Mayoral: A Zarra Trophy contender
No Spanish player has managed to find the back of the net more times than Borja Mayoral in the first half of the season. The Getafe CF striker has netted 12 goals, making him the current favourite to clinch the Zarra Trophy. Despite the fact that we are just midway through the 2023/24 campaign, this is already Mayoral’s highest-scoring season in league play. Under José Bordalás, Mayoral has managed to rediscover his form and he has more than replaced the injured Enes Ünal, allowing Getafe CF fans to dream of European qualification for next season.
