Real Madrid

Lassana Diarra, who joined Real Madrid in the winter transfer market, has made the 2008/09 La Liga Breakthrough Team.

His arrival didn't create much noise, but by the time the season ended, Lassana Diarra was a household name in Spain. The French midfielder was one of the most unexpected surprises for Real Madrid fans, who oohed and awed his every move.

Lass' performance earned him a spot among the starting eleven on UEFA's 2008/09 La Liga Breakthrough Team. The Madrisista joins Sevilla's Perotti as the only foreigner on the list. According to the UEFA website, Lass "joined Real Madrid in the winter transfer windown with a very low profile, although in a few short months he managed to convince the demanding Madridista fan base. His physical strength allows him to take position in any spot on the pitch to make up for any defensive mismatch, and he proved to have great ball control, which allows him to act as a great assistman for his teammates."