Man United striker and Liverpool starlet among standout stars from international break

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The international break is almost at a close but with a bevvy of fixtures on offer who were the standout stars during the period?

    We take a look at six players who have shone for their countries from Europe and will be worth keeping an eye on as they return to club football.

    BEN WOODBURN (WALES)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2; Goals = 1; Assists = 1

    The Liverpool teenager twice came of the bench for Wales and twice played a pivotal role in securing two victories. The 17-year-old is already well revered at Anfield and announced himself on the international stage with a late screamer to defeat Austria before following up those heroics to cross for Hal Robson-Kanu to head home an 80th-minute opener in the 2-0 win over Moldova. Woodburn’s performances added more shine to Wales’ golden generation.

    Ben Woodburn scores his winner against Austria

    Ben Woodburn scores his winner against Austria

    JONATHAN JOUBERT (LUXEMBOURG)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2; Goals Conceded = 0; Saves 12

    According to Luxembourg have taken 24 points from a possible 396 in 132 World Cup qualifiers since the 1930s but achieved four in a week thanks to a 1-0 win over Belarus and a 0-0 draw against a full-strength France. A succession of smart stops from Joubert ensured a resilient defensive wall held firm. The F91 Dudelange stopper’s performance is rightly highlighted but the team’s success in keeping two clean sheets was built on their overall organisation and determination as well.

    Luxembourg's goalkeaper Jonathan Joubert

    Luxembourg’s goalkeaper Jonathan Joubert

    THOMAS DELANEY (DENMARK)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2; Goals = 4

    Denmark have been sensational this week with a 4-0 win over Poland followed up by a 4-1 triumph over Armenia. Werder Bremen midfielder Delaney scored the opener against Poland – his first for Denmark – after nodding in a corner then tore Armenia apart with a stunning treble. His free header from Henrik Dalsgaard’s cross drew the Danes level in the 16th minute before he lit up the second-half with a 30-yard daisy cutter and a well directed header.

    Denamrk's Thomas Delaney celebrates scoring against Poland

    Denamrk’s Thomas Delaney celebrates scoring against Poland

    ROMELU LUKAKU (BELGIUM)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2, Goals = 4

    Manchester United have finally got the mobile target man they’ve craved as Romelu Lukaku displayed in two games his ability to roam from flank to flank and contrary to much of what he’s been chastised for, retain possession. Oh, and he scored a hat-trick in the 9-0 win over Gibraltar and then scored a well-angled headed winner against Greece to send Belgium through to the World Cup.

    Romelu Lukaku celebrates his winner against Greece

    Romelu Lukaku celebrates his winner against Greece

    TIMO WERNER (GERMANY)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2; Goals = 3

    Timo Werner is Germany’s new world class star in the making. He’s been directly involved in eight goals in his last five appearances for Die Mannschaft – six goals and two assists. The 21-year-old Leipzig striker has filled the vacuum left by Mario Gomez’s absence and is the type of forward Germany have lacked in that he is fast, technical and a poacher, proving as much with a double against Norway and the opener against Czech Republic.

    Germany star Timo Werner heads home his side's fourth against Norway

    Germany star Timo Werner heads home his side’s fourth against Norway

    ISCO (SPAIN)

    KEY STATS – Games = 2; Goals = 3

    Real Madrid star Isco might just be the world’s best attacking midfielder right now and his performance against Italy in particular was justification of that. He was exquisite against the Italians, running amok over their two-man midfield, scoring twice and cheekily nutmegging Marco Verratti. He added to his tally with a gift against Liechtenstein in their 8-0 win and what’s clear is he is now consistently applying his other-worldly talent for both club and country. 

    Recommended