Who is the best midfielder in La Liga 2024/25? The rise that is giving Bellingham nightmares

The 2023/24 campaign was undoubtedly defined by the stratospheric rise of Jude Bellingham. Upon his arrival at Real Madrid, the English prodigy didn't just adapt; he conquered. His explosive form, characterized by a relentless goal-scoring instinct and late-game heroics, made him the undisputed cornerstone of Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup. Bellingham’s contributions were pivotal in securing Real Madrid’s 36th La Liga title and his first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. 

However, in a league that serves as the ultimate crucible for technical mastery and tactical intelligence, the crown is never secure. Despite a solid and consistent 2024/25 campaign, Bellingham found himself "less explosive" compared to his debut year. This slight dip in individual goal production was enough for him to be dethroned in the latest rankings of the best midfielders in La Liga 2024/25 provided by Nowgoalmobi.

The primary threat to Madrid’s hegemony emerged from Catalonia. Barcelona, the reigning champions, finished the 2024/25 season with a terrifying offensive record, netting 102 goals across 38 matches. This dominance is rooted in the legendary La Masia academy, which continues to produce elite technicians at an almost assembly-line rate, allowing the club to maintain its philosophy of overwhelming possession and flair. 

Leading this new era is a player often dubbed "Little Iniesta" for his silk-like ball control and effortless ability to escape high-pressure situations. Under the transformative guidance of Hansi Flick, this maestro has evolved into a deeper role, dictating the tempo of the game while retaining his lethal ability to execute line-breaking passes. By now, you might have already guessed who holds the number one spot on the list.

The top 10 best midfielders in La Liga 2024/25

10.  Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid) 

At 22, the Madrid native featured in 32 matches, providing the defensive grit that saw Atletico finish 3rd with 78 points, securing another Champions League spot. Barrios maintained an 88% passing accuracy and averaged 2.4 successful tackles per game, ranking him in the top 5% for defensive interventions among Spanish midfielders. 

Since his debut in 2022, he has made over 70 appearances for the Colchoneros. While he hasn't won a La Liga title yet, his tactical discipline makes him a future pillar for Diego Simeone.

9. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) 

The French international played 30 games in 2024/25, recording 2 goals and 2 assists as Real Madrid finished 2nd with 85 points. Camavinga’s versatility is reflected in his 91% pass completion rate and a successful dribble rate of 75%, which is among the highest for deep-lying midfielders in Europe. Having joined Madrid in 2021, he has already amassed 2 La Liga titles (2022, 2024) and 2 Champions League trophies. Despite the arrival of new stars, he remains a vital "Swiss Army knife" for the Merengues.

8. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Earning the eighth spot is Martin Zubimendi, the brain of Real Sociedad for much of the season. Before his high-profile move to Arsenal, Zubimendi played 33 matches, contributing 2 goals. His 66 touches per game and 89% accuracy helped Sociedad finish 6th (63 points), qualifying for the Europa League. A graduate of Sociedad’s academy, he has played over 150 La Liga games since 2019. Now at Arsenal in the 2025/26 season, he has already appeared in 18 Premier League matches, helping the Gunners challenge for the top spot.

7. Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)

Seventh place goes to Conor Gallagher, who brought Premier League intensity to Atletico Madrid. In 35 appearances, he notched 4 goals and 6 assists. Gallagher averaged 3.1 key passes per match, a figure that eclipsed most traditional Spanish "number 8s." His work rate helped Atletico maintain the league's second-best defensive record. 

6. Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

In 31 league games, the La Masia graduate scored 8 goals and provided 9 assists, playing a massive role in Barca’s 92-point championship season. His ability to progress the ball (6.4 progressive carries per game) placed him in the elite bracket of attacking midfielders. Fermin has already won the La Liga title and the Olympic gold medal with Spain, marking him as a generational talent who remains at the heart of Flick’s 2025/26 project.

5. Alex Baena (Villarreal)

Playing 34 matches, Baena led the league with 9 assists and added 7 goals. His vision resulted in 3.5 key passes per game, the highest in the division. Previously a star at Villarreal, his transition to a more dominant side allowed him to showcase his elite 87% final-third passing accuracy. 

4. Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)

Oihan Sancet of Athletic Bilbao ranks fourth. With a staggering 17 goals from midfield in 33 matches, Sancet was the most prolific non-forward in the league. His physical presence and 62% duel success rate helped Bilbao finish 8th. Sancet has been a one-club man since 2019, recording over 30 goals in his career. His 2024/25 campaign remains one of the most efficient individual seasons in Bilbao’s modern history.

3. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)

Following his return to Spain, Olmo played 28 games, scoring 12 goals and assisting 6. His "false nine" movements and 85% successful dribble rate were essential to Barcelona’s 102-goal haul. A Euro 2024 winner, Olmo’s intelligence and 4.2 shot-creating actions per match made him a nightmare for defenders. 

2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham occupies the second spot. Despite dropping from his 19-goal tally the previous year, he still managed 15 goals and 14 assists in 34 games. His 90% pass accuracy and 2.8 interceptions per game showed a more mature, defensive side of his game as Real Madrid finished 2nd.

At 22, he already possesses a trophy cabinet that includes the Champions League, La Liga, and Bundesliga Player of the Year. 

1. Pedri (Barcelona)

The Barcelona maestro played 35 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists. However, his value lies in the "pre-assist" and control. Pedri averaged 92% passing accuracy and 5.8 progressive passes per match, the highest in La Liga. 

Since his debut in 2020, he has won 2 La Liga titles (2023, 2025) and the Golden Boy award. In the current 2025/26 season, Pedri has already played 20 matches, guiding Barcelona to the top of the table with his unparalleled vision.

The top 10 midfielders of La Liga 2024/25: 

Pedri (Barcelona)

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Dani Olmo (Barcelona)

Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)

Alex Baena (Villarreal)

Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)

Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid)

As Nowgoalmobi has highlighted, these players represent the pinnacle of the best midfielders in La Liga 2024/25. With such a wealth of young talent and tactical evolution, football fans are surely eager to see how these stars will mature and what further heights they will reach in the coming years. Their performances have not only redefined their clubs but have also ensured that the "golden age" of Spanish midfield play continues.

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