Tackling is a dying art, right? Wrong.
La Liga is packed with players who love a challenge, whether they are operating in the centre of the park, battling away in the heart of defence or leading the front line.
Of course, those who do fly into duels must walk a disciplinary tightrope. However, the risk is often worth the reward as players who wear their hearts on their sleeves are very much appreciated by the fans.
This season, Javi Galan is leading the way for La Liga’s tacklers with 44, eight clear of his closest rival Alfonso Espino. Damian Suarez of Getafe completes the top three having made 35 tackles but things are very close behind the right-back.
All of the current top 10 have made at least 30 tackles in La Liga so far, including Casemiro and Alex Fernandez, with the latter hitting the 30-mark despite playing less than 700 minutes this season.
Keep track of the top 10 tacklers below as the 2021/22 campaign progresses.
Most tackles La Liga 2021/22 season: Current standings
Players with the same amount of tackles are separated by minutes played. Stats correct as of 11:30, 08/11/21.
| Position | Player | Tackles | Minutes Played |
| 1st | Javi Galan | 44 | 1,140 |
| 2nd | Alfonso Espino | 36 | 1,170 |
| 3rd | Damian Suarez | 35 | 873 |
| 4th | Pablo Maffeo | 34 | 929 |
| 5th | Iddrisu Baba | 34 | 997 |
| 6th | Lucas Torro | 33 | 946 |
| 7th | Casemiro | 32 | 905 |
| 8th | Santiago Comesana | 31 | 993 |
| 9th | Alex Fernandez | 30 | 698 |
| 10th | Nacho Vidal | 30 | 997 |
READ MORE: La Liga 2021/22 SEASON’S STATS LEADERS: