La Liga: Team of the Year 2020
By Max Cooper
It's been one hell of a year in Spanish football.
Real Madrid stole back the Liga crown, Barcelona have collapsed into mid-table obscurity and financial ruin, and of course, Diego Simone rides again with Atletico Madrid.
This year also bore witness to the Liga return of Spain legend David Silva with high-flying Real Sociedad, while Sevilla and Villarreal have closed the gap on that top tier.
And obviously, heroes have been made up and down the country for an array of teams, bursting onto the scene or reaffirming suspicions that they are undeniable talents of the game. But who are the 11 players that have stood out from the crowd in the year of 2020?
Without further ado, let's check out 90min's official, La Liga: Team of the Year.
GOALKEEPER & DEFENDERS
1. Jan Oblak (GK) - Atletico Madrid
We start with a controversial pick right from the off. Title winner Thibaut Courtois has been left out of our TOTY, to be replaced by Atleti star Jan Oblak. There is method behind the madness, as always.
Courtois may have been crowned a champion in the summer, but he has not reached those levels this season. Meanwhile, Oblak has only conceded five goals in the opening 13 matches, and has won countless points for los Rojiblancos with vital saves on their rise to La Liga's summit.
Not to mention, he's world class. So, conceding nine less than his direct rival just about edges the Slovenian into the number one spot for 2020.
2. Kieran Trippier (RB) - Atletico Madrid
When Kieran Trippier was storming the right flank of Tottenham Hotspur, the general consensus was, 'yeah, he can whip a mean ball into the box, but he's a liability at the back.' Well, not anymore.
Having been instructed to forget everything he had learned about defending and undergone Simeone's brick wall brainwashing, Trippier has come out the other side as one of the most solid and reliable full-backs in Europe.
Again, only five goals conceded, as well as notching four assists. Get yourself a man who can do both.
3. Sergio Ramos (CB) - Real Madrid
Quite simply, the best defender in the league - Sergio Ramos is Real Madrid. He turns up in the big moments, leads by example and demands everyone to follow suit. Without him, Los Blancos are a different - and much weaker - side.
Last season's goal contribution of 11 has been followed up by another two this year, and after a shaky start, Ramos has recaptured his form and dragged Madrid back into the title race with their city rivals.
There are plenty of clutch moments waiting around the corner in this pulsating season, and you can guarantee this world class defender will be ready to swing them in his favour.
4. Jules Kounde (CB) - Sevilla
How much longer will Jules Kounde be a Sevilla defender? It's a sad truth of the game, but the young Frenchman has created such a stir since arriving in La Liga in 2019, that it's only a matter of time before he departs for one of Europe's heavyweights.
Kounde has excelled once again this season, contributing to La Liga's second best defence, having conceded only 10 goals in 14 games. His athleticism, pace and aerial proficiency make him one of the most complete centre-backs in the game.
Enjoy him while he's here, Sevilla, because destiny is calling.
5. Marcos Acuña (LB) - Sevilla
Replacing Sergio Reguilon was always going to be one of the hardest tasks in this summer's transfer window, but Sevilla have nailed it with the signing of Marcos Acuña.
The Argentine has settled into life in Seville incredibly well, adapting to los Nervionenses' style with ease. As with Kounde, he has played his part in keeping a tight ship at the back, and deserves all the praise he gets.
Shrewd business as ever by Monchi.
MIDFIELDERS
6. Casemiro (CM) - Real Madrid
The most reliable player in La Liga, without a shadow of a doubt. Casemiro has thrived at the base of Madrid's midfield since 2015, and his grip on that role has only tightened over the six years.
Like Ramos, he loves the big occasions, most recently popping up and scoring a crucial header against Atleti in a 2-0 win, as well as getting a goal and an assist in the all-important 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Not to mention, he's a world class anchor to one of the best teams in Europe. He's got the lot.
7. Mikel Merino (CM) - Real Sociedad
Mikel Merino has enjoyed a wonderful 2020. The Spaniard's excellent displays at the back end of the 2019/20 campaign saw him called up to the national team for the first time, and he has gone on to make six senior appearances for la Furia Roja.
Back with Real Sociedad, he has gone from strength to strength, starring in their incredible run at the top of the table, before three straight losses put a dent in their ambitious title challenge.
Still, a top four finish would be an incredible achievement, and with Merino in their midst, anything is possible.
8. Joao Felix (AM) - Atletico Madrid
It's fair to say Joao Felix has had to bide his time in winning over coach Simeone, but the Portuguese wonderkid is now the most important attacking player in this side.
The 21-year-old makes Atleti tick, and it's his creative spark and sprinkling of magic which has got them over the line so many times this season. His five goals and three assists have propelled Los Rojiblancos to the top of the league, and they may never have a better chance of finishing there.
Simeone must place all his faith in Felix from hereon in, and allow the superstar to carry his men to the promised land.
FORWARDS
9. Lionel Messi (RW) - Barcelona
Okay, it's probably been the worst season of his professional career, but you can't not include Lionel Messi in this team, right? Even when those around him appear disinterested or purely below par, he has raised his game to try and keep Barça as a competitive force.
In the end, the Argentine's heroics in the league and Europe weren't enough to bring success, and his disappointment almost confirmed his exit from Camp Nou. Thank the Lord he stayed.
This season may not be going too swimmingly for la Blaugrana, but you can't lay that at the feet of this magic man.
10. Karim Benzema (ST) - Real Madrid
In a season of fine margins, Karim Benzema turned up and delivered one of his best ever individual campaigns, and it was just enough to bring title glory back to the Spanish capital.
21 league goals in 2019/20 have been chased down by eight in the new season, with four of those coming in his last three games. With the Frenchman in top form, Madrid simply can't lose.
At 33 years of age, you'd think Los Blancos would have found a suitable replacement for Benzema by now. But you can't replace world class so easily.
11. Mikel Oyarzabal (LW) - Real Sociedad
And to complete our La Liga Team of the Year, we have Real Sociedad's majestic winger Mikel Oyarzabal. The 23-year-old has been tearing up the Spanish top flight ever since he was a teenager, but it's over the past three years that he's really started to blossom.
The Spaniard has already managed seven goals this season, and his stellar form has seen him amass 11 national team caps. Like Merino, his displays have carried his club and country throughout 2020.
Already hitting the 200 appearance mark is quite an achievement for the winger, and he is certain to go down as a la Real legend if he stays true to the white and blue.