Kieran Trippier stars for Atletico to make La Liga team of the week
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was once again the top performer in round 12 of the Primera Division.
Although the Argentine’s side were ultimately defeated by a stubborn Cadiz side, Messi was unquestionably the focal point of Barcelona’s attack five times as many shots and shots on target as the next player on the pitch. As such, he earned a9 rating despite failing to score.
Elsewhere in attack was Celta forward Iago Aspas (7.6), who joins the Spanish top-flight team of the week for a third, successive matchday after picking up an all-important assist in his side’s 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
Joining Messi and Aspas up front is Roger Martí (7.6), who almost single handedly won Levante all three points with a goal and assist in their 3-0 win over Getafe.
The most notable success story in midfield across La Liga was most likely Thomas Lemar’s (8.3) performance for Atletico Madrid. The French midfielder was afforded a rare start for the capital side and took full advantage of it with a goal in his side’s 2-0 win over Valladoid.
Lemar is joined in midfield by Borja Garcia (7.9) of Huesca, following his goal in his team’s 3-3 draw with Granada and Levante’s Jorge de Frutos (8.1) following his goal and assist.
In defence Carlos Clerc (8.6) makes the team with a goal for Levante over the weekend and is joined by Villareal duo Raul Albiol (7.8) and Pau Torres (7.7) after they ensured a clean sheet and a point against Elche.
However, the most impressive defensive performance came from Atletico full-back Kieran Trippier (9), who provided both assists in his team’s 2-0 victory.
With very little surprise, Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma (8.4) is between the posts this week after his heroic displays on Saturday evening to keep Messi and his Barcelona teammates at bay for 90 minutes.