It’s squeaky-bum time as the battle for safety, continental positions and the league title intensifies across major leagues in Europe. Using the famous 3-4-3 formation that has even caught Arsene Wenger’s fancy, here’s our team of the week.
Goalkeeper – Marc-Andre ter Stegen
‘Wonders’, they say never end. This was the case at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as the German became Superman and made a total of 12 saves against Real Madrid (the most he’s ever made in a La Liga game for Barcelona) and while doing all this he managed to complete 22 passes during the game – that’s 8 more than Cristiano Ronaldo managed.
Central Defender – David Luiz
What was captivating about Luiz’s performance in the FA Cup semi-final was just how uncompromisingly ruthless the Chelsea defender was in his defending. His legs, arm and even his hair were all involved in stopping Pochettino’s boys.
Central Defender – Laurent Koscielny
Monsieur Wenger decided to tweak formation with Arsenal, turning to a three-man defence. With 2 ‘learners’ playing with him in defence, Koscielny took on the responsibility seemlessly and ensured that Arsenal’s season might not be bad afterall.
Central Defender – Martin Kelly
Christian Benteke was not the only former Liverpool player to come back and haunt his old club, the Crystal Palace defender – Martin Kelly showed Dejan Lovren everything that a good defender should do in a football match.
Midfielder – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Played in an unfamiliar position and was still unfazed by the occasion. Delivered one of his best performances for the Gunners this season and such performance will give Hector Bellerin a thing to think about, apart from new hairstyles.
Midfielder – Paul Pogba
With a number of United players out, Pogba took responsibility as he dominated the midfield and produced a commanding performance in Manchester United’s important win away at the Turf Morr.
Midfielder – Bernardo Silva
An artist among athletes. The Portuguese delivered on all fronts as Monaco took all 3 points away at Lyon. It’s inevitable for ‘Silva’ not to become Gold in this summer’s transfer market.
Midfielder – Eden Hazard
Eden probably thought a blistering performance would land him the PFA ‘Player of the Year’ Award. Too bad Eden, all your beautiful performance was able to get you was a place in the FA Cup Final and a slot in our coveted team of the Week. Suffice to say that, he had a super-sub performance as he came on to make the difference with a goal and an assist.
Forward – Anthony Martial
His performance left a ‘Bitter-sweet’ feeling in the hearts of the United hierarchy, after he presented the club a lifeline into the EPL top 4. He at the same time triggered a bonus clause in his contract. Martial keeps matching on.
Forward – Christian Benteke
‘Karma’ is always served the best delicacy. Two goals against his former club, Liverpool, confirmed that Benteke is finally back in form and leading Crystal Palace clear of relegation. It has been a sub-par season for him by the standards he set at Aston Villa but half bread is better than puff-puff.
Forward – Lionel Messi
Battered, bruised, kicked around and yet he was still able to prove to all and sundry that he must always feature whenever there is a debate on the greatest of all time. What a privilege it is to watch this man play the round-leather game. Good, better, Lionel Messi……..
Written by Patrick Echatah
The post Lionel Messi obviously headlines our team of the week but who else made the team? appeared first on Soccer Nation.
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