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

By Roy Emanuel

MALAGA, SPAIN - MAY 21: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after his side are crowned champions following the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MALAGA, SPAIN - MAY 21: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after his side are crowned champions following the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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SANTANDER, SPAIN – DECEMBER 01: Raul Garcia of Athletic Club celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 match between Racing Santander and Athletic Club at El Sardinero stadium on December 1, 2016 in Santander, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SANTANDER, SPAIN – DECEMBER 01: Raul Garcia of Athletic Club celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 match between Racing Santander and Athletic Club at El Sardinero stadium on December 1, 2016 in Santander, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /

MF – Raul Garcia – Athletic Bilbao

La Liga can often feel dominated by its two giants – Real Madrid and Barcelona. But one of the league’s consistently competitive sides has been Athletic Bilbao, and this past season saw the Basque club finish seventh in the table. The work of Raul Garcia in midfield kept that competitive spirit burning in 2016-17.

The Spanish international made a positive impact in nearly every match for Los Leones, scoring ten goals and adding four assists.

Bilbao missed out on Europa League qualification by only a single point, and much of their positive results were the product of Garcia’s efforts. He also added three more strikes in the Copa del Rey tournament. Possessing power and an excellent awareness throughout 90 minutes, Garcia was able to be counted on in important moments against La Liga’s best.

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Arriving at the San Mames in the summer of 2015, Garcia’s impact on the side has been almost immediate. Within a club that is famous for their commitment to their academy and youth systems, the midfielder’s signing has been a revelation.

The approaching season will see Athletic Bilbao’s targets set higher, with European qualification a top priority.

In order to achieve this objective, another stellar campaign from Raul Garcia will need to be on the cards in 2017-18.

Honourable mention: Koke – Atletico Madrid

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