In a sport that is as unpredictable as football, the destiny of teams and players can change in a matter of a few games.
Here is the best eleven comprised of LaLiga Santander stars who have come out of nowhere to be undisputable starters for their teams this season.
Unai Simon
Unai Simon has been the surprise starter for Athletic Club this season. The young goalkeeper, who was crowned European Under-21 champion this summer, was expected to play second fiddle to Iago Herrerin, much like last season. But Simon has made the position his own after a great start to the campaign.
Pablo de Blasis
After the departure of Ruben Pena to Villarreal, Eibar manager Jose Mendilbar signed Alvaro Tejero for the right wing position. After initially struggling to displace Tejero for the initial matches, Pablo de Blasis broke into the team. His work rate along with his threat down the flanks has seen him win over his place in the side.
Mohammed Salisu
With the departure of Fernando Calero to RCD Espanyol, Real Valladolid were on the lookout for a central defensive partner for Kiko Olivas. Despite incorporating Javi Sanchez and Federico Barba, the solution to the problem was within the club. Mohammed Salisu, who was part of the Valladolid B team last season, has made the step up to the senior team this season and become a first-choice starter.
Pau Torres
Villareal youth product Pau Torres returned to his parent club after his loan at Malaga ended last season. This campaign, he has joined Raul Albiol and Funes Mori in Villarreal's defence despite his youth and has earned a call-up to the Spanish national team after some good performances.
Xavier Quintilla
With Villarreal's summer signing Alberto Moreno out with an injury at the beginning of the season, coach Javier Calleja was forced to field his second-choice left-back from the youth academy, Xavi Quintilla, who has grabbed his chance with both hands this season.
Fede Valverde
Zinedine Zidane started this season with a depleted midfield after the failure to sign Paul Pogba. This, coupled with injuries to Luka Modric and Isco, left him with a headache. But Fede Valverde has stepped up and has won over the Frenchman with his high intensity and physicality. He has now become one of the most important players for his coach.
Thomas Partey
After spending 40 million euros to sign Marcos Llorente from arch rivals Real Madrid, Diego Simeone was expected to start the Spaniard in his midfield. But the added competition has only gone on to motivate Thomas Partey to another level. He has responded with some brilliant performances which have made the Ghanaian an undisputed starter.
Zambo Anguissa
Former Fulham midfielder Zambo Anguissa arrived this summer to add to the midfield depth at Villarreal. However, the extraordinary performances in the middle of the park have made him one of his boss' most important players.
Rodrygo Goes
On his arrival, Rodrygo was supposed to be a Castilla player with a few first-team opportunities where possible. But after some really sensational performances in front of goal, the Brazilian has overtaken Vinicius, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez and James Rodriguez in the race for a forward spot.
Loren Moron
Loren Moron, who is the second top scorer in LaLiga Santander with eight goals, just behind Karim Benzema and tied with Leo Messi, started the season as a substitute. The signing of Borja Iglesias was supposed to make Moron the second-choice striker but the forward's recent performances have made him the main man up front.
Nolito
Nolito was very close to returning to Celta Vigo following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui. Despite the competition for places, the Spaniard's reliability and work ethic have made him the preferred choice over other attacking players such as Rony Lopes or Franco Vazquez.
