La Liga’s Most Underrated Players of the 2024/25 Season
In a league celebrated for its flair, legendary clubs, and global superstars, it’s easy for consistent performers and low-profile contributors to be overshadowed. While the spotlight often shines on players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, or João Félix, many other talents are quietly putting in game-changing performances week after week.
This season, La Liga has seen a surge of underrated stars—players who may not dominate headlines but are essential to their teams' strategies, results, and identity. Whether they’re anchoring the midfield, intercepting in defense, or linking play between the lines, these individuals represent the hidden brilliance that fuels the Aw8 Pro.
Let’s uncover the most underrated players in La Liga 2024/25, and celebrate the ones who deserve more recognition.
1. Aleix García (Girona)
Position: Central Midfielder
Key Stats:
Pass accuracy: 91%
Key passes per game: 2.6
Tackles per game: 2.1
Girona’s stunning rise this season isn’t just about Dovbyk and Sávio. Midfield maestro Aleix García has been the tactical heartbeat of the team. His ability to control tempo, link defense to attack, and deliver line-breaking passes makes him one of the most complete midfielders in the league.
2. Isi Palazón (Rayo Vallecano)
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Key Stats:
Goals: 5
Assists: 6
Crosses per game: 4.2
A technical wizard, Isi consistently delivers for Rayo Vallecano without much attention. His vision and crossing accuracy have made him one of the most productive creators for mid-table teams this season. He's a reminder that brilliance doesn't require a massive platform—it needs consistency and heart.
3. Javi Galán (Real Sociedad)
Position: Left-Back
Key Stats:
Tackles per game: 3.1
Dribbles per game: 2.0
Interceptions: 2.2
Now at Real Sociedad, Galán’s work rate and defensive coverage have helped Imanol Alguacil’s side stay competitive in the top half. While not as flashy as Jordi Alba or Balde, Galán's defensive solidity and overlapping runs make him one of the most reliable full-backs in the league.
4. Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Key Stats:
Goals: 6
Assists: 4
Chances created: 33
Bilbao’s resurgence this season owes much to the elegant and creative Sancet, who operates between the lines with intelligence. He links midfield and attack with smooth transitions and often contributes to decisive plays, even when not directly involved in goals.
5. Fede San Emeterio (Cádiz)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Key Stats:
Tackles per game: 3.3
Clearances per game: 2.8
Pass completion: 84%
In a struggling Cádiz side, San Emeterio has been a beacon of consistency. His positional discipline, ability to read the game, and gritty performances in midfield have kept his side competitive in key fixtures.
6. Fran Pérez (Valencia)
Position: Winger
Key Stats:
Dribbles per game: 3.6
Take-ons success rate: 64%
Goals/Assists: 7 combined
A product of Valencia's youth system, Fran Pérez has quietly emerged as one of the most promising wingers in the league. His direct running, willingness to take on defenders, and end product are improving with every match.
7. Juanmi Latasa (Getafe)
Position: Striker
Key Stats:
Goals: 6
Shots on target %: 61%
Pressures per 90: 18
Getafe’s physical and compact playing style needs a striker who can hold up play and press relentlessly—Latasa has filled that role expertly. Despite limited touches, he remains efficient in front of goal and a nightmare for opposition defenders.
8. Álex Baena (Villarreal)
Position: Midfielder/Winger
Key Stats:
Assists: 8
Key passes per game: 2.7
Successful dribbles per game: 2.1
Still just 22, Baena continues to be Villarreal’s silent weapon. His creativity and spatial awareness make him a threat from midfield or out wide, yet he rarely gets the credit he deserves alongside more senior players.
9. Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
Position: Goalkeeper
Key Stats:
Save percentage: 79%
Clean sheets: 10
Pass accuracy: 85%
Often overshadowed by flashier keepers in Europe, Simón is quietly becoming one of the best in La Liga. His composure, shot-stopping, and distribution have helped Bilbao remain defensively solid throughout the campaign.
10. Juan Cruz (Osasuna)
Position: Left-Back
Key Stats:
Cross accuracy: 38%
Tackles per game: 2.9
Ball recoveries: 5.7 per game
A reliable figure on the flank, Juan Cruz adds balance to Osasuna's structure. Though not flashy, his defending is consistent, and his delivery into the box provides attacking value that often goes unnoticed.
Why These Players Deserve Recognition
The stars may sell the jerseys, but these underrated players hold their teams together. They perform vital roles—tracking back, maintaining shape, pressing, creating space—that rarely make the headlines but are essential for any team’s success.
In a league known for individual brilliance, it’s the collective effort of such players that keeps competition high and outcomes unpredictable. Their underappreciated contributions are what make La Liga one of the most entertaining football leagues on the planet.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of the League
As fans, pundits, and content creators, it's important to look beyond the goals and viral moments. The real beauty of football often lies in the unnoticed movements, the smart passes before the assist, and the player making the crucial interception that starts a counterattack.
These players are the engine of the league—they bring balance, work ethic, and tactical intelligence to their squads, ensuring that every match is a tactical and emotional battle.
Support the League That Celebrates Every Role
Whether it’s a flashy winger or a hard-working defensive midfielder, La Liga thrives because of its depth, diversity, and balance. Let’s show appreciation to all players making a difference—not just the headline-makers.
Support the league. Celebrate the underrated. Watch football with deeper insight and greater respect for every role on the pitch.
