LaLiga returns! Remembering the in-form players pre-lockdown

LaLiga graces our screens this week as the second of Europe's top five leagues returns. Spain's top tier resumes in fine fettle, too, with the Seville Derby kicking off the final 11 games of the domestic campaign. Here, using WhoScored.com's unique rating, we take a look at the pre-lockdown form guide, highlighting those who'll be hoping to pick up where the left off this week... 

10. Gerard Moreno (Villarreal) - 7.28 form rating

Next opponent: vs Celta Vigo (A)

In good form prior to lockdown, Gerard Moreno has had a direct hand in 14 league goals for Villarreal this season. Of those, four have come in his last five league outings, scoring three and assisting one, including a man of the match performance in a 2-1 win over Levante. As Villarreal gear up for their trip to relegation threatened Celta Vigo, the Yellow Submarine will need Moreno to be firing on all cylinders as they look to close the gap on the top-six. 

9. Rafinha (Celta Vigo) - 7.29 form rating

Next opponent: vs Villarreal (H)

Conversely, Celta Vigo will look to in-form Rafinha to help them to a vital result in their welcome of Villarreal on Saturday. The Celestes sit just one point and one place above the relegation zone and come into their clash with Villarreal in the midst of a five-match unbeaten run. Rafinha has been vital to their commendable form with his WhoScored rating over the last six league outings a sold 7.29. 

8. Raul Garcia (Athletic Club) - 7.36 form rating

Next opponent: vs Atletico Madrid (H)

Athletic Club's dependable forward Raul Garcia comes in at eighth in the player form rankings with a weighted WhoScored rating of 7.36 over his last six league outings. The Spaniard has scored nine league goals this season, three of which have come in his last three LaLiga outings to contribute towards his commendable rating. 

7. Raul de Tomas (Espanyol) - 7.43 form rating

Next opponent: vs Alaves (H)

If Espanyol are to beat the drop, then Raul de Tomas will prove vital. The Spaniard has made an immediate impact for the Catalan side having netted four goals in his opening six matches. The LaLiga basement boys couldn't believe their luck when he agreed to swap Benfica for Espanyol and the striker is having the desired effect with his weighted rating from his last six LaLiga showings a fine 7.43. 

6. Nabil Fekir (Real Betis) - 7.45 form rating

Next opponent: vs Sevilla (A)

Nabil Fekir has made a solid impression in his debut season with Real Betis. The Frenchman has seven goals and three assists to his name and he comes into Thursday's Seville Derby on the back of good pre-lockdown form. Indeed, Fekir has had a direct hand in five goals in his last five league outings, which includes WhoScored man of the match displays against Mallorca and Valencia. A red card in the 3-2 home loss to Barcelona is a blip in the record, but a weighted rating of 7.45 is still impressive. 

5. Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) - 7.45 form rating

Next opponent: vs Osasuna (H)

One of Real Sociedad's star men comes in at fifth of the player form standings. Mikel Merino has been a fine performer in the middle of the park for La Real, allowing the likes of Martin Odegaard and Mikel Oyarzabal to attack opponents without the need to routinely carry out their defensive duties, safe in the knowledge Merino is covering the backline. He's done so to a high standard, too, with his weighted WhoScored rating of 7.45 marginally better than Fekir to pip the Real Betis man to fifth. 

4. Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid) - 7.52 form rating

Next opponent: vs Athletic Club (A)

A name Arsenal fans will like to see on this list, Thomas Partey narrowly misses out on a place on the podium. Atletico Madrid may be struggling this season, yet Partey has been a shining light for Diego Simeone's side with his weighted WhoScored rating of 7.52 a notable achievement.

3. Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla) - 7.59 form rating

Next opponent: vs Real Betis (H)

Real Betis aren't the only Seville side to have an in-form attacker, with Lucas Ocampos kicking off the top three in the form rankings. The Argentine has had a direct hand in a goal in all but one of his last six league outings, totalling five goals and one assist. As Sevilla look to maintain their push for a top-four finish, Julen Lopetegui will be hoping Ocampos can continue his form in the final third, starting with Thursday's clash. 

2. Aitor Fernandez (Levante) - 7.63 form rating

Next opponent: vs Valencia (A)

A goalkeeper comes in at second in the LaLiga player form standings, with Aitor Fernandez crucial for Levante between the sticks. The Spaniard has impressed for the Valencia-based outfit in recent gameweeks, yielding a weighted WhoScored rating of 7.63 over his last six league outings, which includes a man of the match performance in a 1-0 win over title contenders Real Madrid. Returning to action with the Valencian Derby, Levante will hope he can excel once more to earn the bragging rights over their rivals. 

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 8.69 form rating

Next opponent: vs Mallorca (A)

No prizes for guessing who comes in at top spot. Lionel Messi was in exceptional form prior to lockdown, having a direct hand in 11 goals in his last six league outings, three of which returned perfect 10 performances, those coming against Levante, Real Betis and Eibar. Messi registered a hat-trick of assists in the 3-2 win at Real Betis and hit the back of the net four times in a 5-0 thrashing of Eibar with his weighted rating over his last six outings a stunning 8.69.