Real Madrid

Fernando Gago has only played in two league matches this season, and despite sitting out for most of it due to injury, it looks like he hasn't missed a beat.

Real Madrid relied on heavily on Gago's offensive and defensive prowess on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao. The Argentine touched the ball more than any other player and his pass completion percentage was simply astounding: 49 for 61, one of which was a perfect ball through a narrow lane that Higuaín hammered past Irazoz for the game winner. His recipe for success is broken down into three easy steps. First, he receives the ball. Second, he raises his head. And finally, he passes to his best-positioned teammate. His duties in defense didn't go unnoticed either, staking complete control of the midfield with eight steels and allowing Pepe and Heinze to focus on their one cause for concern, Llorente.