With another enthralling weekend of action across Europe complete, we pick out our latest European Team of the Week, featuring players from the top-five leagues.
From Petr Cech’s excellent goalkeeping display for Arsenal in their win against Everton, to a stunning first-half hat-trick from Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder, there were some impressive performances around Europe.
Without further ado, here’s our team of stars from the latest round of matches…
GK: Petr Cech (Arsenal)
Unai Emery’s new style of play has placed Cech under heavy scrutiny, and while issues persist with his ability on the ball, the former Chelsea stopper showed why his manager has put faith in him so far this season with a string of fine stops. The 36-year-old commanded his box superbly against Everton, making six saves in total, including two from Richarlison and one from Michael Keane’s close-range header.
RB: Thomas Meunier (PSG)
The Belgian netted for the second game running, as he helped PSG come from behind to beat Rennes. Latching onto Neymar’s excellent through pass, Meunier strode forward before confidently dispatching into the far corner to give his side a 2-1 lead. The right-back’s advances proved fruitful again late on, as he turned provider for Eric Maxim Choupo Moting, teeing up the forward with a smart cutback.
CB: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Joel Matip powers home a header against Southampton
Given the chance to impress with Joe Gomez afforded a rest by Jurgen Klopp, Matip certainly took the opportunity presented to him with both hands in Liverpool’s win against Southampton. Matip, who made more passes than any other player, headed home brilliantly to give Klopp’s side a two goal lead. When under pressure defensively, he rose to the challenge, making three interceptions to halt Saints’ attack.
CB: Jose Fonte (Lille)
After a disastrous spell in China, former Southampton defender Fonte is enjoying a rejuvenation in Ligue 1 with Lille. The Portugal international has helped them to 13 points from their opening six games, and was at his best in their 2-1 victory against Nantes. Fonte headed home a back-post corner to hand his side the lead, while he also impressed defensively with three interceptions and three clearances.
LB: Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
In strong competition for a starting spot in Spurs’ line-up with Ben Davies, Rose was excellent for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as they put a disappointing run of defeats behind them with victory at Brighton. A constant option out on the left, Rose got forward superbly well, setting up Erik Lamela for what proved to be the winner. The England international was solid defensively too, with three interceptions, two tackles and a clearance.
RM: Bertrand Traore (Lyon)
Bertrand Traore celebrates against Marseille
What a display from Lyon, and in particular Traore. The former Chelsea man took both his goals superbly well in the 4-2 win against Marseille. Picking up a cross-field pass from Tanguy Ndombele, Traore controlled the ball brilliantly before firing the ball into the far corner. His second was just as good, playing a neat one-two with Nabil Fekir before squeezing the ball in at the near post.
CM: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
For so long, David Silva has been the man to make Manchester City tick, but evidence so far this season suggests he may well be passing that mantle onto his namesake sooner rather than later. Bernardo was excellent again for Pep Guardiola’s side in their demolition of Cardiff City. The Portugal international scored with a superbly-taken header and also made four key passes, including the assist for Sergio Aguero’s opener.
CM: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
Lazio have overcome their tough start to the campaign thanks to four straight wins, with Milinkovic-Savic key to their success against Genoa this weekend. The Serbian was in fine form throughout, setting up Felipe Caicedo for the opening goal by cleverly heading the ball back across goal for his team-mate to finish. He then rose highest in the box to plant a header from 12 yards into the bottom corner.
LM: Rodrigo de Paul (Udinese)
De Paul was the star man for Udinese as they secured a 2-0 win away to Chievo. With 14 minutes left to go, the 24-year-old unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25-yards to give his side the lead. The Argentine then played an inch-perfect pass as Udinese countered late on, playing in substitute Kevin Lasagna who made the game safe. De Paul made three key passes and had more touches than any of his team-mates.
CAM: Pablo Sarabia (Sevilla)
A masterful midfield display from Sarabia, who helped Sevilla to a 6-2 win against Levante away from home. The 26-year-old was involved in everything for his side, setting up the first three goals, including two for Wissam Ben Yedder. The midfielder made six key passes in total, before getting in on the act himself as he produced a crisp, low finish to complete the scoring for Sevilla in a dominant performance.
ST: Wissam Ben Yedder (Sevilla)
While team-mate Sarabia was grabbing a hat-trick of assists, Ben Yedder was taking home the matchball thanks to an emphatic 45 minutes in the hammering of Levante. The Frenchman took his first two goals superbly well on his left foot, sweeping up a clinical counter for the second, before a fortuitous third completed the hat-trick. The 28-year-old also provided the assist for Sarabia’s goal.
Our European Team of the Week
