The October dream team

After a thrilling month of October in which football was once again the king of sports, the LFP.es editors have selected the eleven most outstanding players at this early stage of the competition. 

In goal

Sevilla man Beto has been a maestro between the sticks. Just two goals conceded in three encounters demonstrate the effectiveness of the Portuguese keeper, who helped his team earn three victories in October. Confidence at the back is an essential part of Unai Emery’s plans, fighting to stay in the top spots in the table.

In defence

The line of four defenders is made up of footballers from different teams. The left side is claimed by Portuguese player Vitorino Antunes of Málaga CF. Antunes started all three of his team’s matches in a vibrant October for the Boquerones, and he helped their cause with a goal.

And when it comes to goals, Shkodran Mustafi also emerged as a cornerstone of Nuno’s Valencia CF, who lost once in October (0-3 versus RC Deportivo) but showed their solidity. Real Madrid’s good form in the Liga BBVA is represented in defence by centre back Pepe, who with his goal in the Clásico against FC Barcelona completed a dream month after his side found their consistency. Finally, Eneko Bóveda, of SD Eibar, is the final link in the defensive line on the right, following his good work for Gaizka Garitano’s team.

In midfield

Strength and magic are combined in the midfield, an area occupied by three players with plenty of football at their feet. Madrid man Isco seems to have found his consistency for the Whites playing out wide. He appears to have gelled with his team-mates and started two of his team’s three encounters, scoring a goal against Levante UD.

The stability in this team is provided by Stephane M’Bia, another player who has been outstanding at Sevilla. A fixture in the Seville side, M’Bia also showed his attacking qualities with two goals in their victory over Deportivo. And the great touch and assists are provided in this team by Atlético Madrid midfielder Koke Resurrección. His five goal-scoring passes so far this season make him a key man going forward.

Up front

The attack is led by three footballers with an eye for goal. Cristiano Ronaldo continued his exceptional form in front of goal and has been scoring at will. His six goals in October have catapulted him to the top of the goalscorers’ ranking this season with 17.

The ColombianCarlos Bacca, with three of his seven goals coming in October, is part of this attacking trident that strives for goal-scoring excellence. Bacca’s goals have come at key moments in matches and have helped Sevilla stay at the top. Neymar Jrachieved similar stats for FC Barcelona, with the Brazilian scoring three goals in October to increase his tally to nine. He has started the season in fine fettle, which is why, along with Ronaldo, he is the only player to make the ‘Dream Team’ for the second time on the trot.

Super subs

The line-up was limited to eleven players, but the LFP.es editors also want to bear in mind a few other footballers who made their mark in the last month and were vital to their teams’ progress.

Joaquín Larrivey and Nolito are a dream double act for RC Celta, who are sixth in the Liga BBVA and generating a buzz. The two footballers have claimed 12 of their team’s 17 goals between them. Karim Benzema and Marcelo have also stood out in October and both have been key men in Carlo Ancelotti’s strategy at Real Madrid. One play-making and scoring goals, and the other in defence, as the top recoverer in the competition and providing options in attack. Málaga CF are also represented by Samu García, a footballer who has burst onto the scene in recent matchdays and earned the confidence of Javi Gracia. Finally, the Frenchman Abdoul Karim Yoda, of Getafe CF, has also been productive for the Azulones, earning his side victory against Real Sociedad with a brace of goals.