Top 5 best La Liga youngsters this season

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The journey between the Premier League and La Primera in Spain is now a well-trodden one, with the money available in England a frequent temptation for players in Spain to jump ship.

When once it was believed that the styles of football were too different for a player to make an immediate impact, Spain is often the first port of call now for Premier League clubs looking to strengthen, with mixed fortunes from player to player.

No longer is there a worry whether players can adapt, with players of any age now trusted to make the switch to England without any fears as to whether they can be effective.

So many teams look towards the long-term, so youth is often a bonus when teams contemplate their purchases – so using the Squawka Performance Score, we have put together a top five players under the age of 23, based on their displays in La Liga this season.

 

5.) Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal) 

Linked with a move to England, with Manchester United and Liverpool both reportedly keen on the Argentine international, Musacchio has emerged as one of the most accomplished defenders in Spain currently.

Musacchio has been a key figure in Villarreal’s remarkable rise from La Segunda to an instant return to European football in their first season back in the top-flight, with his one goal of the season coming at the Nou Camp to boot.

Musacchio has won 57 tackles this season, at a success rate of 51%, while he has emerged victorious in 62 aerial duels as well, providing a fine rock in the centre of Los Submarinos Amarillos defence.

Musacchio’s 32 league appearances have seen him also complete a massive 108 interceptions as well, displaying his fantastic reading of the game, while he has added 205 clearances to prove himself one of the most important players in La Liga currently.