La Liga’s Most Underrated Midfielders This Season

In every football season, the spotlight often falls on top goal scorers, expensive transfers, or high-profile attackers. But behind every successful team lies the heartbeat of the midfield — often composed of unsung heroes who pull the strings quietly, dictate tempo, recover possession, and carry tactical discipline without headlines. This 2024–25 La Liga season is no different. While names like Jude Bellingham and Pedri dominate the front pages, a group of underrated midfielders have been working silently to shape matches and carry their clubs forward.

These players may not make the weekly highlight reels, but their impact is undeniable. This article dives deep into the most underrated midfielders in La Liga, based on tactical importance, statistical contributions, and consistency this season. Whether you’re a Pragmatic Play free purist or casual fan, you’ll want to keep an eye on these midfield maestros.

1. Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Athletic Club

A true midfield technician, Ruiz de Galarreta is the glue in Ernesto Valverde’s disciplined Bilbao setup. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Galarreta’s ability to break lines with short and long passes has been key to Athletic’s possession-oriented transition game.

Why He’s Underrated:

• He has one of the highest pass completion rates in La Liga (92%).

• Rarely loses the ball under pressure and initiates attacking transitions.

• Defensive contributions are often overlooked — averaging 2.6 interceptions per 90 minutes.

Despite playing in a team often overshadowed by Barcelona or Madrid, his intelligence and positional discipline make him essential to Athletic’s resurgence.

2. Aleix García – Girona FC

Girona’s incredible start to the 2024–25 season has surprised many, and a big part of their success stems from Aleix García’s influence in midfield. Once seen as a journeyman, García has found a home at Girona and is now their undisputed engine room.

Key Stats:

• Averaging 2.8 key passes per game — one of the highest among La Liga midfielders.

• Directly involved in 6 goals already (2 goals, 4 assists).

• A master of switching play and unlocking tight defenses.

His name rarely trends on social media, but every Girona fan knows that without García, the team loses its rhythm.

3. Rubén Alcaraz – Cádiz CF

In a struggling side like Cádiz, it’s hard for any player to gain mainstream recognition. But Rubén Alcaraz continues to be a standout performer. A tireless box-to-box midfielder, Alcaraz is known for doing the dirty work — tackles, ball recoveries, and second balls.

Why He Deserves More Credit:

• Leads the league in tackles won per 90 minutes.

• Provides defensive cover for full-backs and helps in pressing traps.

• Also chips in with set pieces and long-range efforts.

He embodies the old-school midfield warrior — someone every manager wants, but few fans notice.

4. Oriol Romeu – FC Barcelona

Yes, he plays for one of the world’s biggest clubs, but Oriol Romeu still flies under the radar, especially with fans focused on Gavi, Pedri, or Frenkie de Jong. Romeu’s return to Barcelona was questioned by many, but he’s proven to be a smart, stable presence in midfield.

Contributions to Note:

• Solidifying defensive transitions when Busquets left a void.

• Rarely loses duels and is vital in shielding the backline.

• Offers leadership and composure in big-match scenarios.

He may not wear the captain’s armband, but he often plays like one — cool-headed and incredibly efficient.

5. Unai Vencedor – Alavés

Once considered a potential star at Athletic Club, Unai Vencedor has reinvented himself at Alavés. Playing in a more advanced role this season, he’s added creativity and pressing intensity to his game.

Tactical Impact:

• Constantly presses the opposition's midfielders, disrupting their flow.

• Links up well with wide players and breaks into the box frequently.

• Has created more expected goals (xG) this season than in his last three combined.

At just 23, Vencedor may be on the verge of a bigger move — but for now, he’s quietly thriving.

6. Nico González – Valencia CF

Another La Masia product making his mark, Nico González is becoming the central figure in Valencia’s midfield. His versatility to play both as a holding midfielder and a more advanced 8 gives the team flexibility.

What Makes Him Special:

• He combines strength and technical ability — a rare profile in Spanish football.

• Has completed more dribbles in midfield than any other La Liga player this season.

• Still just 22, but plays with veteran awareness and confidence.

Nico isn’t just building his reputation — he’s rebuilding Valencia’s engine room.

7. Pape Gueye – Sevilla FC

While Sevilla had a turbulent start this season, Pape Gueye has been one of the rare consistent positives. A physically dominant midfielder with Senegalese flair, he provides much-needed bite and verticality.

Contributions:

• One of La Liga’s top players in ball recoveries and progressive carries.

• Adds a physical edge in midfield duels and set-piece defending.

• Effective as both a starter and a game-changing substitute.

His performances may go unnoticed in the chaos of Sevilla’s season, but Gueye is a gem in midfield.

8. Javi Guerra – Valencia CF

Another name from Valencia worth highlighting, Javi Guerra is making waves with his dynamic style. At just 20, Guerra has established himself as a starter and is drawing comparisons to a young David Silva.

What Stands Out:

• Outstanding balance of creativity and defensive work rate.

• He’s created the most chances for Valencia in the current campaign.

• Can operate across multiple roles — attacking mid, central mid, or even wide.

If he continues this trajectory, he might not be “underrated” for much longer.

Why Midfielders Often Go Unnoticed in Football

In football culture, it’s easier to celebrate goals and assists than press resistance or spatial awareness. Midfielders who don’t score much or assist directly are often labelled as “functional” or “safe.”

But today’s football is built around midfield structure. They are responsible for transitions, ball progression, and overall team shape. Without midfield control, even the best attackers can struggle.

The Value of Tactical Intelligence

What sets these underrated midfielders apart is their football IQ. They read the game like chess players — predicting moves before they happen, covering passing lanes, and enabling their teams to stay compact or stretch when needed.

In a league filled with world-class attackers, these players are defensive stabilizers, tempo setters, and silent match-winners.

The Bigger Picture: Why Fans Should Pay Attention

Fans often follow the glamour of attacking stats. But if you want to understand football on a deeper level, observing the work of midfielders like García, Galarreta, or Vencedor can be eye-opening. Their subtle actions — the press, the short pass under pressure, the interception before a counter — shape the flow of every match.

For managers, scouts, and true fans of the beautiful game, these players are gold.

👏 Support the Underrated Heroes of Football

La Liga’s brilliance doesn’t lie only in its superstars — it thrives because of hard-working, intelligent, and often overlooked midfielders who control matches from the shadows. Whether it’s Aleix García’s passing or Rubén Alcaraz’s tackles, these players are essential to what makes football beautiful.

As fans, let’s not just cheer the goals — let’s celebrate the unsung architects of every victory. Watch them, support them, talk about them — because in the heart of every great team, there’s always a midfielder doing the quiet work.

Let’s keep loving football, the full 90 minutes — not just the highlight reels. ⚽