European Team of the Week: A Barcelona right flank with Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema up front

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  • Every week we pick 22 of the best performing players in Europe’s top five leagues and, with your help, narrow it down to the best XI.

    Using polls on our Instagram stories, we pit players in each position against each other and let you decide who deserves to make the cut.

    Follow our Instagram page to get involved.

    Here’s what our latest European Team of the Week looks like:

    Formation: 4-4-2

    GK: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

    Another flawless performance from the world’s best keeper. Oblak wasn’t troubled too much but had to come to his side’s rescue at the death, saving a late penalty to secure three vital points in the title race.

    RB: Serginio Dest (Barcelona)

    Watching the 6-1 thumping of Real Sociedad, Barcelona fans were transported back to a time when an effervescent Dani Alves tore down the right flank at will. Such was Dest’s attacking play as he operated more like a winger and even managed to score twice in the process.

    CB: Lilian Brassier (Brest)

    It was a commanding display from Brest’s 21-year-old centre-back on loan from Rennes. The young Frenchman impressed with six interceptions and five clearances to earn his side a clean sheet.

    CB: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan)

    Milan conceded twice so Kjaer has most certainly been included for his crucial contributions at the other end of the pitch this time. A long ball over the top found Zlatan Ibrahimovic with precision for the opener and his flicked header from a corner fell kindly for Brahim Diaz to stab home the second in a 3-2 win.

    LB: Filip Kostic (Eintracht Frankfurt)

    The 28-year-old winger-turned-wingback continues to thrive in his new role. Kostic has been a force going forward for Frankfurt, complementing the attack well with his runs and excellent delivery. A goal and assist against Union Berlin took him to 14 goal involvements in the league this season.

    RM: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

    Wasn’t Messi supposed to be having his worst season, destined to end a glorious Barcelona career with a whimper? Instead, La Liga’s leader for goals and assists added two and one to his respective tallies in a commanding display. Just another day at the office.

    CM: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

    Started the game brilliantly, showing great vision to pick out Karim Benzema for the opener. Kroos then pressed well high up the pitch to nick the ball and set up the second as well. The German did seem to run out of steam in the latter stages though.

    CM: Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)

    Stunning all-round display from the youngster who bossed the midfield and made six tackles. Superb assist, nudging the ball around a defender with the outside of his boot for Stefan Jovetic to score the opener. Also, played a smart one-two with Aleksandr Golovin before thumping in the finish in a 4-0 win.

    LM: Lucas Moura (Tottenham)

    Played out of his skin, ran his socks off, covered every blade of grass, etc. It was that kind of inspired performance from Moura but featured plenty of guile as well as he was involved in virtually every attack and played a key role both goals for Tottenham.

    FW: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

    Bayern Munich were reduced to 10 men when Alphonso Davies got sent off in the 12th minute and Lewandowski responded in the way only Lewandowski does. He scored a perfect hat-trick before the end of the half as the Bavarians cruised to a 4-0 win. He’s like a cheat code in this form.

    FW: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

    Outstanding once again from Madrid’s talisman, dragging the champions into the title race. He took his goals expertly and even set up Marco Asensio in a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo.

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