OneFootball
Padraig Whelan·15 January 2024
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Padraig Whelan·15 January 2024
There may have been a somewhat limited schedule again across the continent but plenty of players stood out in making our best XI of the weekend.
Here it is in a 4-3-3 formation…
He made eight saves in his side’s win at Nantes, several of them impressive and important interventions to deliver a much-needed victory which lifts his side off the foot of the table.
The Spurs defender put in another excellent showing in his side’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. As dangerous and lively as ever going forward, the defensive side of his game also impressed and he is seriously establishing himself as one of game’s best full-backs.
A commanding and classy performance at the back for Mallorca in their 1-1 draw with Celta which also saw the Uruguayan provide an assist at the other end was marred only by an unfortunate booking that sees him suspended for their next game.
There were no goals on show during Freiburg’s stalemate with Union Berlin and for the visitors at least, a major reason for that was the performance of the Germany international at the heart of the home defence who was peerless once more.
Another superb showing from the Ivorian in his side’s win over Lyon saw him excel and even claim a deserved goal to go with his performance. With his country currently taking part in AFCON, he’ll have given more food for thought about a potential first cap this year.
He didn’t play long but the impact the brilliant Belgian had was phenomenal. Introduced at Newcastle on 69 minutes with his side trailing, he swept home a superb equaliser before teeing up Oscar Bobb with a pass few others could have picked out for a last minute winner and to move into third place in the all-time Premier League assist rankings.
Two goals and an all-round terrific performance see the German sensation easily nail down a place in our side. “He was absolutely our best player,” coach Thomas Tuchel said after the 3-0 win over Hoffenheim. “He was the only one who had the freedom and showed the desire to create something.”
Took his first goal for the club well and provided a sweet assist for the second, he was undoubtedly Milan’s star man on a night when he put everything together in the win over Roma – all that is missing from his game is consistency.
What a weekend for the former Torino winger as his two goals settled the Basque derby in favour of Athletic with a pulsating 2-1 win over Real Sociedad to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games and move above Barcelona into third in LaLiga.
The speculation around his future may continue as he moves into the final six months of his PSG contract but it isn’t impacting Mbappé’s performances as he provided one and scored the clinching late second in the French champions’ 2-0 win at Lens.
A Clásico hat-trick to win the Supercopa de España. Does anything more need be said? What a way to write yourself into Real Madrid folklore with a performance for the ages that will long be remembered.