The 2024/25 LaLiga season was a showcase of midfield mastery, with players dictating the tempo, breaking up opposition plays, and delivering moments of brilliance that defined their teams’ campaigns.
In a league renowned for its possession-based, tiki-taka philosophy, midfielders are the engine room, balancing defensive grit with creative flair. Drawing from performance metrics, statistical analysis, and their overall impact, here are the top five midfielders who stood out in Spain’s top flight this season.
1. Pedri
Pedri of Barcelona claims the top spot with a campaign that solidified his status as one of the world’s elite midfielders. At just 22, the Tenerife-born star was the heartbeat of Hansi Flick’s title-winning side, deployed in a deeper role that allowed him to orchestrate play with unmatched precision. Pedri led LaLiga in passes attempted (2,672) and completed (2,379), while creating 68 chances from open play, the most among midfielders.
His ability to set the tempo, recover possession, and deliver incisive forward passes (653, tops among midfielders) made Barcelona’s attack tick. Despite modest goal (four) and assist (five) tallies, his influence was undeniable, with analysts noting that his absence left a glaring hole in the team’s rhythm. Pedri’s composure, vision, and defensive work rate made him the standout midfielder in Spain, earning him praise as a “complete midfielder” from outlets like The Athletic.
2. Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde of Real Madrid takes second place, a versatile force who carried his team through a challenging season. The Uruguayan’s relentless energy and ability to cover vast distances made him indispensable, often linking Real Madrid’s star-studded attack with a depleted defense. Valverde scored six goals, including a stunning strike against Athletic Bilbao, and provided eight assists in LaLiga, while his 55 interceptions ranked second in the league.
His adaptability shone through when he filled in at right-back during high-stakes Champions League matches, earning praise from then-manager Carlo Ancelotti as the “world’s third-best right back” despite being a midfielder. Valverde’s high performance ratings, with a DataMB score of 93, underscored his consistency across 36 appearances, missing just two league games.
3. Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul of Atlético Madrid ranks third, embodying Diego Simeone’s gritty, high-intensity ethos while adding surprising attacking output. The Argentine world champion became the engine of Atlético’s midfield, controlling games with his range of passing and relentless work rate. De Paul contributed eight goals and eight assists across LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, a remarkable return for a player often deployed in a deeper role.
His 38 chances created in 33 league games and top-tier through-pass completion (0.81 per 90 minutes) showcased his creative spark, while his performance in Atlético’s 1-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid demonstrated his ability to dominate big matches. Simeone lauded De Paul’s personality and game-reading ability, noting his consistency as key to Atlético’s strong campaign.
4. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, despite a slight dip from his sensational 2023/24 season, secures the fourth spot with his all-action displays. Transitioning to a deeper role to accommodate Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham still managed eight goals and eight assists in 31 LaLiga appearances, with many goals coming from long range. His ability to maintain high energy for 90 minutes set him apart, as did his knack for delivering in clutch moments, though his goal tally dropped from the previous season’s 17.
Critics noted that Carlo Ancelotti struggled to find Bellingham’s optimal position, but his six assists for club and country in 2024/25 and inclusion in LaLiga’s Team of the Year for 2023/24 reflect his enduring quality. Bellingham’s physicality, vision, and leadership at just 21 ensure he remains a cornerstone for Real Madrid.
5. Oihan Sancet
Rounding out the top five is Oihan Sancet of Athletic Bilbao, a rising star who became the face of his club’s midfield. The 24-year-old Basque talent scored an impressive 15 goals, placing him eighth in LaLiga’s scoring charts, a rare feat for a midfielder. Sancet’s versatility across attacking and central roles, combined with his goal-scoring instincts, made him a standout in Ernesto Valverde’s high-pressing system.
His breakthrough season saw him rank among the league’s top performers, with his ability to find space and finish chances drawing comparisons to more established names. Sancet’s contributions were vital to Athletic Bilbao’s competitive campaign, and his emergence signals a bright future for both club and country.