On a weekend in which Barcelona got their La Liga campaign underway and Manchester City claimed yet another victory in the Premier League, there were goals aplenty across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Here, we pick out the individuals stars from the latest round of matches with our European Team of the Weekend.
GK: Edouard Mendy (Reims)
It has been quite the start to life in Ligue 1 for Reims. After kicking off with a 2-1 win away at Nice, they picked up an impressive 1-0 victory at home to Lyon. Mendy was outstanding in goal for the hosts, denying last season’s third-placed side on numerous occasions. The 26-year-old kept Memphis Depay, Houssem Aouar and Maxwel Cornet at bay in the second half as Lyon pushed for an equaliser.
RB: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Dani Carvajal netted Real Madrid’s opening goal of the LaLiga season
An excellent opening-day performance from Real Madrid right-back Carvajal, as he played a key role in the win against Getafe. The Spaniard was on hand to open the scoring with a clever header, while offensively he was involved regularly, with only Marcelo and Toni Kroos having more touches. Defensively, Carvajal made two tackles and four clearances to help Julen Lopetegui’s men start their La Liga campaign with a clean sheet.
CB: Nacho (Real Madrid)
A second Real Madrid defender in our Team of the Week. Nacho was named in the side ahead of Raphael Varane by Lopetegui and he certainly made his mark with an impressive defensive display. The Spaniard made the joint-most tackles (2) and interceptions (4) for his side, while also leading the way for clearances (3). Nacho’s last-man tackle to deny Getafe also preserved a clean sheet for his side.
CB: Thiago Cionek (SPAL 2013)
Experienced defender Cionek produced a stunning defensive display to help SPAL 2013 to an away victory against Bologna in Serie A. The Polish international made four tackles, two interceptions and nine clearances, as well as winning seven aerial duels as he helped his side to a clean sheet. He also impressed on the ball, with more touches and passes than any other SPAL player.
LB: Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)
One of three Manchester City players to feature in our team, Mendy was exceptional against Huddersfield. After his long-term injury last season, the left-back really is like a new signing for Pep Guardiola, with his heavy involvement going forward on show once again at the Etihad. Involved in three of City’s six goals, Mendy made twelve crosses in total, as well as three key passes.
CM: Miha Zajc (Empoli)
Attacking midfielder Zajc was instrumental as he helped Empoli get their Serie A season underway with a 2-0 win against Cagliari. The 26-year-old was influential in attacking areas for his side, making four key passes and three accurate crosses, while also assisting the decisive second goal for Francesco Caputo with a well-timed pass. Zajc also completed three dribbles as he proved a constant menace for the Cagliari defence.
CM: David Silva (Manchester City)
David Silva celebrates his sensational free-kick against Huddersfield
While Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick may have taken many of the headlines, Silva was arguably Manchester City’s best player on what was a memorable day for the Spaniard. Silva was City’s chief architect against a defensive Terriers outfit, finding space with ease and producing incisive, clever passes. With Kevin De Bruyne out injured, he stepped up to free-kick duties in style, delivering a perfect free-kick to help City ease to victory.
CM: Naby Keita (Liverpool)
Liverpool were made to wait, but they won’t be minding that one bit now. Keita has looked sharp in both games so far this season, providing a threat in an attacking sense and also helping out the back four. Against Crystal Palace, the Guinean was everywhere, making five tackles and one interception defensively, while also driving forward from midfield. One move, to set up a chance for Mohamed Salah, would arguably have been the best assist of the season, had the Egyptian netted.
ST: Andre Silva (Sevilla)
He’s already scored more goals (three) than he managed in the whole of last season. On loan at Sevilla from AC Milan, Silva’s debut could hardly have gone any better. He became the first player to net a hat-trick on his La Liga debut in the 21st century, as Sevilla beat Rayo Vallecano 4-1 away from home. He was in the right place at the right time on all three occasions to guide his side to victory.
ST: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
A sixth opening-day brace for Messi in La Liga. Barcelona’s new captain was at his very best against Alaves, producing the magic required to break down a resolute defence. The clever free-kick that handed his side the lead was majestic, before a well-taken second sealed the victory in the final moments. The 31-year-old also completed five key passes and six dribbles, leading the way for the reigning champions.
ST: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
A 13th Manchester City hat-trick for Aguero, who was in tantalising form against Huddersfield Town. The Argentinean looked dangerous from the first moment, and opened his account with a sumptuous chip. His second was all about being in the right place at the right time, as he pounced on a loose ball. Aguero was unlucky not to grab a third sooner than he did, but when it arrived, it was excellently taken, as he steered Mendy’s cross home.
