Believe it or not, we are now past the halfway point of the Liga MX regular season. With only eight matchdays left until the start of the playoffs, let's take a look back at those who have excelled over the first half of the 2018 Clausura.
GK: Gibran Lajud, Club Tijuana
The 24-year-old Mexican has been nothing short of brilliant for Club Tijuana. After nine games in net, Lajud has only allowed five goals. The goalkeeper has been a revelation for Xolos and as long as he continues to take charge with high-flying saves every weekend, Club Tijuana should have no problems earning a place in the Liguilla.
Brayan Beckeles, DF, Necaxa
The Honduras international is one of the key reasons why Necaxa's defense has been one of the most difficult to break. Whether it be through a handful of tackles, interceptions or clearances, there's never a lack of interventions from Beckeles at the back. The 32-year-old still has plenty left in his tank.
Bruno Valdez, DF, Club America
Valdez has emerged as a reliable presence for Club America and even when he has little work to do defensively, he regularly steps up as a source of countless and accurate passes going forward. The fact that the 25-year-old Paraguay international also has a couple of goals in hand doesn't hurt either.
Pablo Aguilar, DF, Club Tijuana
Although Aguilar was shown a red in early February, the defender has been near-perfect for Club Tijuana. The imposing and aggressive Paraguay international has not only solidified his status as the key figure in Xolos' back line but also immediately took the captain's armband since joining over the winter.
Keisuke Honda, MF, Pachuca
Last season, the superstar from Japan did little to live up to his very high expectations. This season, Honda has arguably looked like the best player on Pachuca's roster. Thanks to his four goals and four assists in nine matches, Los Tuzos are beginning to thrive under his attacking leadership.
Ismael Sosa, MF, Tigres
At the moment, no other player in the league has more assists than Sosa. With a total of five so far in the Clausura, the 31-year-old Argentine has found a way to shine on a Tigres roster that is filled with some of the brightest names in Mexico's top flight.
Renato Ibarra, MF, Club America
Plenty of things are working for Club America right now and Ibarra is undoubtedly one of them. The speedy Ecuador midfielder is flying high with Las Aguilas, collecting four assists and one goal. His performance earlier this year in the 5-1 win over Lobos BUAP was one of the most memorable of the season.
Arturo Gonzalez, MF, Monterrey
Of the 11 names on this list, Gonzalez was the one that nearly missed the cut. Despite the fact that there is still plenty of room for improvement, one can't overlook the significant improvements he's made with one of the best Liga MX squads. Keep an eye on the 24-year-old Mexican that has scored four times in his last eight appearances.
Nicolas Castillo, FW, Pumas
After finishing in dead last in the 2017 Apertura, Castillo has helped carry Pumas back into the top eight of the league table. It's only a matter of time before a European club snatches the Chile international, who has six goals and two assists in the first half of the season.
Henry Martin, FW, Club America
If Liga MX gave out a "Most Improved Player" award, Martin would easily be leading the chase. Once a forgotten bench option for Xolos, the 25-year-old Mexican has since stolen plenty of headlines with his five goals and two assists for Club America.
Djaniny Tavares, FW, Santos Laguna
Simply put: Djaniny is head-and-shoulders above every other player in the league. The 26-year-old striker from Cape Verde has shocked fans with his astounding total of 11 goals. For those who aren't keeping track, the Santos Laguna striker has already equaled the Liga MX goalscoring record from the 2017 Clausura -- and still has eight matches left in the current season.