La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 6

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper

Renan Brito (Valencia)
The young keeper's instant installation as the Che number 1 came as a shock to many, not least Timo Hildebrand, and after some shaky moments this season he pulled out his best performance yet. Made a string of crucial interventions to help secure a sixth straight competitive victory for Valencia.

Defenders

Damia (Betis)
Very unfortunate to be on the losing side, the midfielder (who is equally adept at right back!) took his goal superbly and was a real menace down the right all evening.

Daniel Jarque (Espanyol)
The captain marshalled the Periquitos defence with aplomb in the Bernabeu, as the Catalans held out for a draw against a Real side packed with quality and gunning for victory.

Gonzalo Rodriguez (Villarreal)
Netted the equaliser with a simply perfect header, and had to do much of the defending by himself, with his team mates all at sea on occasions, especially in midfield.

Juan Valera (Racing Santander)
The former Atletico full-back, who can also play in a wide midfield role, netted his first goal for his new club with a injury time winner in Pamplona, securing a fantastic win for last season's surprise package. A great moment from a player never more than a supporting act to the first team at the Vicente Calderon.

Midfielders

Xavi (Barcelona)
Ran the show and contributed to the torment of Atletico, who were dragged all over the field by his passing and vision. The Blaugrana idol received a deserved standing ovation when he went off early.

Fernandes (Valencia)
At Valladolid the Portuguese was the player Valencia would have hoped they had signed last summer. Fernandes was everything Los Che needed him to be. Scored the only goal of the game with a great finish, made tackle after tackle and never tired, despite bounding from box to box all game.

Emana (Betis)
Much like Damia, so unlucky at the weekend, and looked visibly affronted as Betis tossed away the points in a crazy two minutes. Dominated the midfield largely by himself, and put the likes of Senna to shame while proving a constant attacking threat.

Forwards

Iniesta (Barcelona)
Outstanding. Delivered another awe-inspiring performance without getting in the goals himself. Superb movement, link play and a constant supply chain, opposing defenders and midfielders alike are frequently tormented by this diminutive star.

Messi (Barcelona)
Destroyed Aguero in the much-vaunted if over-hyped duel between them. He was at the centre of most good things as Barca tore Los Colchoneros to shreds, and 'Messi-ah' hit a neat free-kick for the third of six on an amazing night for Los Cules.

Eto'o (Barcelona)
Milked the ovation as he walked off, and so he ought to. Great performance, even without his two goals, the Cameroonian has been re-born at Camp Nou this season.


Renan

Damia Gonzalo Jarque Valera

Xavi Fernandes Emana

Messi Eto'o Iniesta



La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 3
Galaxy snap winless streak in emphatic fashion
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 2