La Liga: 2016-17 Team of the Season: Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico dominate

MF – Toni Kroos – Real Madrid CF

Real Madrid’s front-line certainly garnered attention throughout their title-winning season, and with good reason as their attack features some of the world’s best. But behind the scenes, it was midfield maestro Toni Kroos who put the ball where it needed to be to keep the pressure on the opposition.

The German international was second on La Liga’s assist chart with 12, scoring three goals as well.

Combining incredible vision and astounding accuracy with his passes, the 27-year-old controlled the middle of the pitch in the majority of Real Madrid’s fixtures. Kroos found and created the space needed for attackers to flourish in the final third. In free-kick situations, he truly became an asset for manager Zinedine Zidane.

Of Kroos’ 12 assists in league play, eight came from set-pieces. His ability to place the ball where it needed to be (seemingly always to team-mate Sergio Ramos’ head) produced a myriad of goals and always kept the opposing defence on the back foot.

Real Madrid’s league title was the work of many, from the players to the coaches. But the squad required someone to set up others on the pitch. That need was filled by Toni Kroos and his world-class play in the midfield this past season.

Honourable mention: Wissam Ben Yedder – Sevilla FC