Lionel Messi might not have shined in the Champions League this season, as Barcelona suffered an embarrassing exit at the hands of Roma. However, none can deny the Argentine was the standout player in La Liga in 2017/18.
La Pulga often saved the Blaugrana over the campaign, as they almost went the entire season without losing. When the 30-year-old was left on the bench, Valverde’s men struggled, with their only defeat coming in a game in which Leo was left at home.
For this reason, it comes as little surprise to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner top almost every category in the league. His 34 goals in the Spanish top-flight not only earned him the Pichichi, but also a record-breaking fifth European Golden Boot.
Then there were the assists. His tally of 12 is the joint-most, level with team-mate Luis Suarez. When it comes to chances created, none can match the Argentine at 87.
His 185 successful take-ons is the most completed by a single player in 2017/18. To put that into context, that is more than the second – José Luis Morales (91) – and third highest – Éver Banega (83) – combined.
The honor of most goals from free-kicks also went to Messi (6), as well as most goals from outside the box (8). The Camp Nou legend created the most chances with through balls (11) and had the most shots on goal (197).
With these numbers, it isn’t shocking why the Catalan giant won the league. This was another impressive season for their number 10.
