Before we’re thrown back into the hustle and bustle of the domestic league campaigns and the cup competitions that will add to the mayhem, it’s worth pausing and taking stock of the international results.
There were several key performers who proved their mettle with their national sides as they prepare for the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Here, we put together the team of the week from the international break.
GK – Alisson (Roma)
Ederson may be on his way to silverware in his first season at Manchester City, but the fact that he’s being kept out of the starting line up for Brazil by Alisson speaks volumes of the Roma keeper’s pedigree.
Clean sheets against Russia and Germany only bolsters his claim to be first choice for the World Cup.
RB – Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
You know exactly what you’re going to get from Joshua Kimmich and Joachim Low must take comfort in that. The Bayern Munich right-back was solid as ever in his side’s friendlies with Spain and Brazil.
He came up against Isco and then Philippe Coutinho in the two fixtures and largely managed to contain both.
CB – Miranda (Inter Milan)
The Inter Milan centre-back was at the heart of Brazil’s defence for their last two international games and not only was he pivotal in maintaining clean sheets over the encounters but was also on hand to pounce at the other end of the pitch and turn in a rebound against Russia.
CB – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Recently named Dutch captain, Virgil van Dijk has risen to the occasion. Despite a narrow defeat against England in his first match as skipper he’s led, well, from the back as his marshalling of the defensive line was strong.
He also struck a sweet half volley to seal a 3-0 win over Portugal.
LB – Marcelo (Real Madrid)
There’s plenty of competition for places in this new-look Brazil side for the World Cup, but there’s no disputing Marcelo’s inclusion at left-back.
The Real Madrid star has been near perfect over these friendly fixtures and at 29, has now become one of the senior figures in the squad.
DM – Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
In a testing encounter against world champions Germany, Thiago helped Spain edge the battle in the middle of the park as he anchored his side’s midfield with aplomb in the absence of Sergio Busquets.
With Spain running riot against Argentina, Thiago got in on the act with a fine finish to score the fourth goal.
CM – Isco (Real Madrid)
Isco produced a few classy moments against Germany not least of which involved making Mesut Ozil look a bit foolish with a back heel.
It was against Argentina though that he took full advantage of some lax defending to terrorise the back-line and score the first hat-trick of his career.
CM – Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
The Ajax playmaker has been one of the standout performers in the Eredivisie this season and he took that form onto the international break.
He was the match-winner in a difficult tie with Serbia, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 win while impressing again against Uzbekistan.
FW – Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
If Dele Alli isn’t careful, he could find himself playing second fiddle to Lingard at the World Cup.
The Manchester United youth product has starred in Gareth Southgate’s 3-1-4-2 system, scoring the only goal against the Netherlands and setting up Jamie Vardy against Italy. His tactical understanding and disciplined play has held him in good stead.
ST – Edinson Cavani (PSG)
He deserves a spot in this side for his spectacular overhead kick against the Czech Republic itself.
The Paris Saint-Germain hitman managed to find the back of the net to decide the tie with Wales as well, although he would’ve been kicking himself for not getting at least one more on the day.
FW – Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
France have an embarrassment of riches in attack but Kylian Mbappe is making sure he remains a permanent fixture in the forward line heading into the main event this summer.
Despite the defeat to Colombia, his assist for Thomas Lemar initially put France 2-0 up while he led them to victory over Russia with a brace.
Team of the week
