Who is the best player in La Liga in 2022? Every year it's a hard question to answer. Is a goal-scoring striker better than a goal-saving defender? Do midfield distributors have a greater impact than shot-stopping goalkeepers? Luckily for us, La Liga is probably the best place on earth for the world's top talents to showcase their skills. So, who are the best La Liga players of 2022? Who's dominating the Spanish top flight right now?
Most La Liga stars are among the best soccer players in the world, starting with Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, who has been on an absolute tear this season. There's the likes of Pedri, Vinícius Júnior, and Antoine Greizmann, who continually make La Liga headlines. Whether it's for FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or anywhere in between, these talented Spanish players are making quite a stir in La Liga.
Vote below for the best players in La Liga this season, and help decide who are the best current soccer players taking the pitch in Spain each weekend.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid was the best thing that happened to the Frenchman's career, and since Messi left La Liga, Benzema's risen to the challenge of becoming the league's undisputed best player. The 34-year-old talismanic striker topped La Liga in goals scored this past season, as Real Madrid claimed its 35th title in Spain's highest professional soccer league. Not to mention Benzema's impossibly brilliant role in carrying Los Merengues to the Champions League final.
Outside of Karim Benzema, the Belgian goalkeeper is easily Madrid's most important player. Over and over, Courtois bails out Real with crucial saves to help the side grind out wins that helped them take the La Liga Santander title, while also leading them all the way to the Champions League final.
From the day he stepped off the plane in Spain, Vinicius Jr. has been breathtaking. Just not always for the right reasons. While the Brazilian can dribble past three fullbacks and leave them in the dust, he can also spill the final pass or hoof a shot into the cheap seats. At only 21-years-old, Vini Jr. has a long career ahead of him. In 21/22, he was one of two La Liga players - the other being Benzema - to net double digit goals while adding double digit assists. Furthermore, Vini Jr. had the highest expected threat (xT), expected offensive value added (xOVA) and Successful Dribbles of anyone in La Liga, to go along with top 5 marks in chances created and fouls won.
There's been few players as skilled at extending their footballing curtain calls as the Croatian international, who seems to still be improving with age. Entering his late 30s, Modric graces the midfield with his genius level passing whenever he steps on the pitch and has maintained remarkable energy levels to look as fit and fiery as ever. Plus, practically every goal he scores is a work of art.
No one does more than for their team than Robert Lewandowski. Many felt the striker should have won the Ballon d’Or for his exploits in 2021, and Lewa's been unstoppable again this year. The Polish striker had 50 goals in 46 games last season, with 35 of them coming in the Bundesliga. He scores off headers. He scores on tap ins. He scores with jaw-dropping acrobatic moves. He is the fine wine of the professional soccer. A true phenomenon. He joined FC Barcelona this summer.
It felt like a down year for Barcelona, but the Blaugrana still were able to capture second place in La Liga. Thanks in no small part to Marc-André ter Stegen and his lowest goals allowed per 90 in three years, to go along with double digit clean sheets. Known for his reflexes, passing, and ball-playing ability, the German can still confidently be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
