Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the La Liga table again, but there were teams that competed with those giants and made life difficult for them.

There were some great players that step up their games to help their teams get results in a tough competition like La Liga.

Here is my best XI team outside Barcelona and Real Madrid. I chose a 4-3-3 formation. 

Diego Alvez, Goalkeeper, Valencia:

The Brazil international Diego Alvez has been sensational for Valencia this season. The 29-year-old helped Valencia with 13 clean sheets to finish fourth just after last season’s champion Atletico Madrid.

Mario Gaspar Perez, Right Back, Villarreal:

A Villarreal product, Mario Gaspar Perez has always played with the club. The 24-year-old made his debut in 2008-09 season and elevate his game ever since. This season he was a force in right hand side with his unstoppable runs.

Diego Godin, Central Defender, Atletico Madrid:

It’s hard to not mention Diego Godin in best XI. The Uruguayan leads his team by example and plays a big part in Diego Simeone’s success at Atletico Madrid.

Nicolas Otamendi, Central Defender, Valencia:

Nicolas Otamendi is one of La Liga’s toughest exponents and was a wall in Valencia’s defensive line. The Argentinean is also dangerous on set pieces and score more goals than any other center backs this season with six.

Jose Gaya, Left Back, Valencia:

The 19-year-old Jose Gaya has been sensational this season at Mestalla. After Juan Bernat’s move to Bayern Munich, Gaya has been in the starting lineup and played a big part for Valencia to occupy a Champions League spot.

Koke, Right Midfielder, Atletico Madrid:

With his hard work Koke represent what Diego Simeone wants on the pitch. He runs constantly and makes life easy for his teammates. He will be the future of the Spanish football with Xavi and Andres Iniesta reaching the end of the line in their career. 

Grzegorz Krychowiak, Central Midfielder, Sevilla:

Sevilla’s Grzegorz Krychowiak has been one of those players that elevated his game this season to help Sevilla reaching the Europa League final. The 25-year-old is a tough player, what the club needed after Ivan Rakitic’s departure to Barcelona.

Dani Parejo, Left Midfielder, Valencia:

Valencia captain Dani Parejo was solid this season. The former Real Madrid academy player has produced some fantastic performances to help the club finish fourth.

Antoine Griezmann, Striker, Atletico Madrid:

Antoine Griezmann might be the best new sign of the season alongside Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. The 24-year-old is a versatile player that can play in wide areas as well as in central attack. He is intelligent and fast, and has a great vision and ability to score goals.

Jonathas, Striker, Elche:

The Brazilian has been making some huge waves after an astonishing season with Elche. The 26 year-old Jonathas scored 14 goals for the club.

Carlos Bacca, Striker, Sevilla:

The Colombian Carlos Bacca showed he is a top class striker with 20 goals in La Liga. The 28-year-old is a finisher and it will be hard for Sevilla to keep him long in their club.