To build a general shortlist for this ultimate squad, we have explored a handful of sources, such as the La Liga Official Nominations and Futbin, that have produced their own "Best XI" squad for the 2023/24 season. Names mentioned by every source, such as the obvious João Cancelo, are automatically selected for this definitive MyShoeCents starting XI. This list is strictly stats-based, combining all relevant factors from matches played and eliminating biases.
Before announcing the chosen eleven players and five substitutes, here is the full list of shortlisted players:
Goalkeepers: Valles, Unai Simón, Lunin, Alex Remiro.
Defenders: Yan Couto, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Ronald Araújo, Daley Blind, Antonio Raíllo, João Cancelo, Sergi Cardona, Axel Witsel, Mika Mármol, Diego Rico, Pezzella, Vivian, Le Normand, Miguel Gutiérrez, Óscar Mingueza, Sergio Ramos.
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, İlkay Gündoğan, Toni Kroos, Aleix García, Álex Baena, Jude Bellingham, Isco, Pepelu, Frenkie de Jong, Martín Zubimendi, De Galarreta, Kirian Rodríguez.
Attackers: Takefusa Kubo, Artem Dovbyk, Alexander Sørloth, Ante Budimir, Antoine Griezmann, Vinicius Jr, Nico Williams, Sávio, Lamine Yamal, Rodrygo, Morata, Hugo Duro, Borja Mayoral, Robert Lewandowski, Mason Greenwood, Luis Rioja, Youssef En-Nesyri, Gerard Moreno, Samuel Lino.
STARTING XI
To start in goal for the La Liga ultimate XI is Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid.
With the best save percentage, and the highest average form of all shortlisted goalkeepers, the La Liga champion earns this list's "Safest Hands" title.
His preferred boots are the Adidas Copa Pure 2+, which come with a standard lace closure, a lightweight Fusionskin upper with a leather forefoot, and a Primeknit collar.
João Cancelo has been selected to fill the LCB role; backed with the highest number of tackles and dribbles completed of all shortlisted defenders.
The Manchester City loanee has played a vital role in Barcelona maintaining a top 4 spot in La Liga, by keeping a decent clean sheet record, scoring the odd goal, and picking up a few assists. He's this list's "Best Defender".
His elected Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 delivers unmatched speed, comfort, and ball feel. Featuring a football-specific 3/4 length Zoom Air unit, a speed cage, and tri-star studs, this model represents the pinnacle of elite football boots.
La Liga victor, and soon-to-be second-time Champions League Final attendant, Antonio Rüdiger fills the CB position for this ultimate XI.
With the highest number of clean sheets and the best pass accuracy of all listed players, Antonio earns this list's "Best Passer" title.
As the only Under Armour athlete to feature, his elected boots are the Under Armour Magnetico 3 which features a flexible UA Clone upper, an ultra-lightweight soleplate, and enhanced stud shapes for optimum traction.
In the RCB position, we're going for Dani Carvajal who's also part of the best defensive side of the Spanish top flight.
With the highest number of goals scored and the second-highest number of clean sheets of all shortlisted defenders, but also the second-highest number of tackles completed out of all listed players, Carvajal is a greatly well-rounded defender.
Playing in the Puma Future 7, his footwear combines PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE of an extra stretchy knit upper made from of at least 20% recycled material. NanoGrip technology on the removable insole prevents the foot from slipping and the FUZIONFIT360 technology of the upper means the bespoke-like fit allows the wearer to play with or without laces.
Forgotten by Manchester City, but loved by Girona: Aleix García- this list's LM.
The captain of the White and Reds has amassed the second-highest number of interceptions and the highest number of crosses made of all shortlisted midfielders. He'd be a great Captain for this ultimate XI.
Sporting the Adidas X Crazyfast+, Aleix showcases a sustainable football boot made with a minimum of 20% recycled materials. This model boasts the cutting-edge Aeropacity Speedskin and includes a traditional lace closure, a secure carbon heel lock, and a comfortable Primeknit collar.
For the LCM position, we're going for the Real Betis maestro, Isco.
With his silky smooth playstyle, he has the second-highest number of dribbles completed and the second-highest average form of all listed players. Having spent his entire club career in La Liga, he's a legend of the Spanish top flight.
He wears the Adidas X Crazyfast, a football boot designed for high speed. This model has a soft upper material and a lightweight SPEEDFRAME outsole to achieve a next-level, lightweight, distraction-free playing experience.
Our central midfield partnership comes together with Jude Bellingham.
No Englishman has played for Los Blancos since David Beckham left in 2007, however, Jude has made an electric impact on the club faster than any of the other five previous English footballers for Real Madrid. In his debut La Liga season, he has scored the second-highest number of goals and has managed the third-best pass accuracy of all listed players, all while maintaining the best average form of all shortlisted players and winning the title. Bellingham is this list's "Most Consistent" player.
A special player requires special footwear. Adidas have made sure Jude wears the absolute best: the Adidas Predator FT 30. This limited edition model features a folding tongue just like the very first design from 1994. Paying homage to the history, only 1994 pairs were made and each comes with a unique numbered box.
Another position, another Real Madrid Player. In the RM spot, we're going for Federico Valverde.
He's this list's "Most Reliable" and "Most Agile" player and here's why: Valverde has the highest number of interceptions and the second-highest pass accuracy of all shortlisted midfielders, but also the highest speed and most appearances of all listed players.
Playing in the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Dream Speed 8, Federico can run without distractions thanks to the boot's football-specific 3/4 length Air Zoom unit which is layered into the outsole. The lightweight and durable Vaporsite+ upper also provides a grippy feel for optimal control of the ball at high speeds.
The second, but not last, Girona player to feature on this list is Sávio who we're adding to our lethal attack as a Left Winger.
With the second-best pass accuracy of all shortlisted attackers, the highest number of dribbles completed and the greatest number of assists of all listed players, he's this list's "Best Assister".
Featuring a football-specific 3/4 length Zoom Air unit, a speed cage, and tri-star studs, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 delivers unmatched speed, comfort, and ball control. It is a favourite of Sávio, João Cancelo and many other great talents.
Like Isco, Antoine Griezmann is another player who has spent his entire club career in La Liga. With his great form this 2023/24 season, he rightfully earns a spot in this ultimate XI as the Striker.
Since no player on this list has scored a direct free-kick goal in the Spanish league this season, we're looking back at Antoine's previous records and electing him as this list's "Free-Kick Taker", however, he has also made some other great stats such as the best penalty conversion rate of all listed players, the best pass accuracy and second-best average form of all shortlisted attackers.
His chosen football boot is the Puma Ultra Ultimate which has a lightweight and stretchy ULTRAWEAVE upper, Dual-density SPEEDPLATE for fantastic traction, and PWRTAPE for extra stability and foot support.
To finish off the attack, we're choosing the Ukrainian machine, Artem Dovbyk of Girona FC.
Having scored the highest number of goals of all shortlisted players, completed the second-highest number of assists and maintained the second-best penalty conversion rate of all listed players, and having the second-best shots-per-game ratio of all shortlisted attackers, Artem Dovbyk is this list's "Biggest Attacking Threat" and "Top Scorer". What a beast.
It's fair to say his Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 is just about as beastly as his attacking abilities. This modern football boot model has also been selected by another of the World's current greatest attackers, Kylian Mbappé. It features a premium Vaporposite+ upper for an incredible touch of the ball. a soft Flyknit ankle area, a Reinforced Dynamic Fit Collar for foot stability, and it's all coated with Nike All Conditions Control for all-weather play. Weighing only 195 grams, this Nike model is simply incredible.
SUBSTITUTES
Acting as a backup goalkeeper for this ultimate XI, we're going for the equally talented Unai Simón.
Although his save percentage and average form stats fall short of those of Lunin, his great record of clean sheets this season makes him one of La Liga's current greatest keepers.
Wearing the Adidas Copa Pure.1, Unai shares a range endorsed by the likes of Paulo Dybala and Pedri. This classic silhouette features a Fusionskin cow leather upper and a Lightweight Torsion Frame soleplate but it's also a sustainable option as it's made in part with recycled content.
Unless you're an avid La Liga fan or a supporter of Girona FC, you're most likely not to have heard of Yan Couto but this defender is one to watch.
With the third-highest number of tackles completed, the highest number of assists, the second-highest number of dribbles completed, the highest number of appearances, and the third-best clean sheet record of all shortlisted defenders, Couto is the definition of an all-rounder.
The Brazilian plays in the Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII, an elite model which features technologies such as the Nike Grip System, ACC, and NikeSkin.
As a backup central midfielder, we've chosen İlkay Gündoğan.
He's had a solid season with Barcelona, personally securing the second-best assists record and second-best appearance record of all shortlisted midfielders.
He prefers the Adidas Predator, a shoe that has been continuously updated since the early '90s. This contemporary version of the classic design features a Hybridtouch 2.0 forefoot upper, Strikeskin grip elements, and a robust Controlframe 2.0 outsole.
As our backup for Sávio, is another Southeastern Brazil native: Vinicius Jr.
He's a very consistent shooter of the ball, racking up the highest shots-per-game record out of all shortlisted players. Combined with his outrageous pace, Vini is an attacker any European team could wish for.
Vinicius Jr. can sprint without distractions in the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Dream Speed 8, thanks to the 3/4 length Air Zoom unit designed specifically for football and integrated into the outsole. The lightweight, durable Vaporsite+ upper provides a grippy texture, ensuring optimal ball control even at the Brazilian's high speeds.
As a backup for Artem Dovbyk, Nico Williams would do a fantastic job.
Having the best assist record and completing the second-highest number of dribbles out of all shortlisted attackers, the younger Williams brother is a key component for Athletic Bilbao and their consistent growth at the top level of Spanish Football.
As it is currently the most popular Mercurial model, he shares the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 with many top players such as João Cancelo, Sávio, Martin Ødegaard, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski, and many others.
COOLEST BOOT
Worn by Yan Couto, this Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII in "Safari" is made for high-energy superstars, with a similar black-and-white style to the "Battle Pack" Adidas models that became synonymous with the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil.
With the 2024 Copa America Group Stage starting in just one month, Couto has the chance to bring back this Brazilian flair to his senior debut in an elite international tournament.
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