La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 22

Sevilla and Valencia both slipped up in La Liga at the weekend but the rest of the top seven teams all managed to win, making the race for third and fourth even tighter.

At the bottom, Osasuna moved out of the relegation zone, while Real Betis pulled themselves further away from trouble with a priceless win in the Sevilla derby.

After another weekend of prevalent offensive football, Goal.com’s Team of the Week is again loaded with attackers.

Formation: 3-4-3

GOALKEEPER

Cristian Alvarez (Espanyol)

With Kameni suspended, Cristian Alvarez was the man who took up the gloves for Espanyol on Sunday and he put in a superb display to grab his side a priceless point at Getafe. The youngster made fine saves to deny Uche, Casquero and Kas. He kept his best for the last seconds of the game, pulling off a brilliant one-handed save to keep out an effort from Albin.

DEFENDERS

Nelson (Real Betis)

The Betis defender faced an ominous task on Saturday evening as he had to deal with tricky Sevilla winger Diego Capel. However, he was one of the best players on the pitch as he shackled the Spanish winger and got forward on many occasions, supplying some good crosses for the front men.

Miguel Flano (Osasuna)

Osasuna might not have been scoring goals this season but they have not let many in either. This is mainly thanks to the likes of Miguel Flano at the back. The defender is quick across the ground and good in the air. He demonstrated this beautifully with the goal that won the match for his side on Sunday against Valencia.

Mariano Pernia (Atletico Madrid)

Rarely has Mariano Pernia played to his potential this season, however, at the weekend he looked like a different player under Abel Resino's rule, defending and attacking with confidence. Dealt well with the threats offered by Recreativo Huelva down the wing and will be pleased with his performance.

MIDFIELDERS

Dani Alves (Barcelona)

It's becoming hard to think up new superlatives for Dani Alves this season as each week he seems to be getting better and better. Against Sporting Gijon he was, yet again, at his marauding best, scoring a goal of the highest quality.

Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid)

Arjen Robben might get the crowd on their feet but the way that Real Madrid are shaping up at the moment, Diarra is becoming a key player. With the onus on defence and not conceding, he is crucial in the middle of the pitch and against Racing Santander he was strong and determined, as always.

Sergio Garcia (Real Betis)

Against Sevilla on Saturday evening, Garcia was quiet for the first 45 minutes out on the wing but, after the break, he changed the match for Real Betis. Switched to a more central role, he ran at the back-line on numerous occasions and, most importantly, got the first goal of the match with an ambitious, albeit miscued, volley.

Jonathan Sesma (Valladolid)

Has undoubtedly been one of the star players for Valladolid this season and, against Athletic Bilbao, Sesma was superb again. Ran up and down the wing all afternoon, winning the penalty for the first goal and grabbing the assist for the second strike.

FORWARDS

Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)

Atletico Madrid have been crying out for Diego Forlan to score goals lately and, in Abel Resino's first game in charge, he finally found the net again. The Uruguayan striker was instrumental in the win over Recreativo Huelva as he scored two clinical goals that helped Atletico pick up their first victory of the year.

Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)

The Cameroonian striker has been the most prolific forward in Spain this year and he grabbed his 20th and 21st league goals against Sporting Gijon at the weekend. Not only did he take his two chances well but he worked hard for the team again.

Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal)

The Italian hitman declared last week that his team do not depend on him, but against Numancia one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. Grabbed the first goal to give his side the lead early on and then won the game for them when he latched onto a Joseba Llorente pass in the second-half.

SUBS

Those who were close but didn't quite make it...

Roberto (Osasuna)

Jesus Gamez (Malaga)

Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)

Victor (Valladolid)

Salva (Malaga)

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com


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