Five outstanding figures from the first half of the season

Jaume Domenech (Goalkeeper, Valencia CF)

The 25-year-old, from the town of Almenara, has burst into the first team of Valencia CF. His brilliant performances, his reflexes and his uncanny ability to save penalties have earned him a place in their first eleven, and made him one of the most promising goalkeepers of LaLiga.

Diego Godin (Defender, Atletico Madrid)

A reliable centre-back and a fixture for Diego Simeone. The Uruguayan is the leader of the defence and a colossus in the air, where he scored the goal that paved Atletico's way to victory against Granada CF. Now his team are the provisional leaders of Liga BBVA with performances that echo those of previous successful sides. With only eight goals conceded at this stage they have matched the defence that ended up winning a Liga BBVA and Copa del Rey double in the 1995/96 season.

Denis Suarez (Midfielder, Villarreal CF)

An ability to go past players, boldness and an eye for goal are some of the assets that go to make up a midfielder who has started the season at an extraordinary level. He is superb in one-on-one situations and has the ability to turn games. With him in midfield, Villarreal CF reached the top of the Liga BBVA for the first time in their history on Matchday Six.

Neymar (Forward, FC Barcelona)

The Brazilian is a spectacular forward, effective in one-on-one situations, and lethal in front of goal - a combination on skills that have seen him rise to the top of the scoring charts with 15 goals in the Liga BBVA with teammate Luis Suarez. His pressuring of opponents, assists, goals and flourishing understanding with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is impressive in only his second season at the Nou Camp. The 23-year-old is set to be one of the best players in LaLiga for many years to come.

Víctor Sánchez del Amo (Manager, RC Deportivo)

Despite being only 39, he has impressed in his first season at the helm of RC Deportivo, his first top-flight role. The manager from Madrid has given the Galicians defensive solidity and pace on the counter-attack. He's fashioned a team who are tough to beat, and who are only three points short of the European places.