So that was the 2022-23 LaLiga season. With just one round of games left to play, it’s all wrapped up except for the last relegation spot, and one European place. Barcelona were crowned champions, well ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid and — for the first time in a decade — Real Sociedad joined them in the top four. Copa del Rey finalists Osasuna impressed, Girona and Rayo Vallecano punched above their weight, and big clubs Sevilla and Valencia both flirted with relegation.
When it comes to picking a team of the season, some names are obvious. The debate over LaLiga’s MVP comes down to a head-to-head between Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — the key man in their 26 clean sheets — and Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann, the most influential player since the mid-season World Cup break. When it comes to disappointing players, it’s hard to look beyond Sevilla and Valencia, but there are some underwhelming candidates from higher up the table, too.
ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Alex Kirkland pick their best and worst XIs of the LaLiga season — plus some names who just missed the cut — and justify their selections.
