Another exciting La Liga season is almost here.

Barcelona will look to defend their title and win the 24th championship in franchise history. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will try and reclaim their greatness with a 33rd La Liga title. Outside of the teams, Spanish soccer fans are fortunate to watch a league that has some of the greatest players in the world.

Here are the top 10 La Liga players heading into this season.

10. Diego Alves

Valencia has one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Diego Alves. The Brazilian net minder kept Valencia in the thick of things last season, but with such little goal support, the team didn't stand a chance. Alves played as many games as Bravo last season, but he faced 30 more shots against. Alves was also the victim to the most penalty kick goals allowed last season, eight.

9. James Rodriguez

The 24-year-old out of Colombia had an incredible 2014 FIFA World Cup, but he did disappoint at the Copa America. Real Madrid completely fell apart after Rodriguez got hurt last year. If Rodriguez can stay healthy and control that middle field, Real Madrid has a great chance this season.

8. Claudio Bravo

Claudio Bravo is the best goalkeeper in the league today, maybe the world. He recently led Chile to their first Copa America championship at home. Last year he was phenomenal yet again for Barcelona winning the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for being the top goalie. Bravo led the league in wins, clean sheets and goals against average. Without Iker Casillas in the league, this is an easy choice for top goalie.

7. Karim Benzema

The second Real Madrid and only French-born player on our list. He, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo create a terrific trio on offense for Real Madrid. When Rodriguez is healthy, this offense is almost unstoppable.

6. Luis Suarez

What a finish to the season Luis Suarez had last year. His transfer from Liverpool proved to be the difference maker for Barcelona last season. Suarez not only scored critical goals, but he ranked third in assists last season. The Uruguayan forward also brings a certain physical edge that helps Barcelona win big games.

5. Diego Godin

Atletico Madrid has one of the strongest defenses in the league thanks to this man. Diego Godin is a great team leader who serves as the team's defensive captain. He's well known for his shot blocking abilities, and he did lead Atletico Madrid to a championship in 2014.

4. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos is the team captain for Real Madrid at the moment. Real Madrid's defense fell apart a little bit at the end of last season, but one could hardly blame Ramos. He's won three La Liga titles with Real Madrid, and most impressive, he has won the last three consecutive "Best Defender" awards.

3. Neymar

He's still got some "growing up" to do, but then again, he is the youngest player on this list. Brazil's best player, Neymar, is arguably the best dribbler in the world today. He benefits from having Messi by his side, but he capitalizes to the fullest extent. Neymar ranked third in goals scored last season.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal's own come in at No. 2. Ronaldo is the best scorer in the league at the moment, and his penalty kicks are virtually unstoppable. Ronaldo isn't as good of a passer as Messi (who is?), but he has a better strike from 15 yards out. Ronaldo led the league with 48 goals last season, the second most in La Liga history. Messi scored 50 in the 2011-12 season.

1. Lionel Messi

He's not just the best player in the league, he's the single best player in the world. Since joining Barcelona in 2004, Lionel Messi has led the team to an incredible seven La Liga championships. Messi is by far the best passer in the game today having led the league with 18 assists last season. Aside from winning and deadly accurate passing abilities, Messi can still find the net at an elite level. He scored 43 goals last season.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1