5 LaLiga surprises from first month: Kubo Real Sociedad star; Isco shines for Real Betis; Barcelona welcome Yamal

As we reach the September international break, it's time to look back on the exciting developments from the first four matchdays of the new LaLiga campaign.

The first international break of the 2023/24 football season has arrived, with four LALIGA EA SPORTS matchdays completed and with so many fascinating storylines having emerged already. There are several teams and players who have taken the competition by surprise with their performances to date, and five of them are discussed in more detail here.

Isco is back and racking up the MVP awards

After he left Sevilla FC halfway through last season, many doubted Isco Alarcón and some thought he was finished at the top level. But, that couldn't be further from the truth. The 31-year-old signed with the other club of Seville in the summer, joining Real Betis, and he has started the new season in sensational form. Isco has started every fixture so far for Los Verdiblancos, and has been voted the MVP of the match in each one, against Villarreal CF, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini, who previously worked with Isco at Málaga CF, has placed the playmaker at the centre of his 4-2-3-1 formation and Isco is delivering. In addition to the classy goal he scored against Athletic Club, Isco is producing 3.3 key passes per game and is also recovering the ball 3.8 times per game. This is helping those around him too, including striker Willian José, who has been another revelation by scoring three goals already this season.

Girona FC are as good and as fun as last season, if not better

Girona FC's 2022/23 campaign was something special. The Catalan club had just won promotion through the playoffs and took LALIGA EA SPORTS by storm,