Team Of The Weekend.

 

Across Europe's Top Five Leagues (ie: England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France) here are my picks for this week's Phagocyte's Eleven highlighting their outstanding performances over the weekend;

Norberto Murara (GK) - 9.5

The Brazilian shotstopper was simply unbeatable on the day as his quick reflexes earned Bournemouth a point against Chelsea. Neto's 6 saves on the day made sure that AFC Bournemouth kept their first Premier League cleansheet in 13 games.

Mats Hummels (CB) - 8.5

The experienced German defender was pivotal in Borussia Dortmund's 4-2 victory away at Freiburg. Hummels' intricate passing display saw him complete a game-high 76 accurate passes with a success rate of 89%. He also made 3 tackles and 2 interceptions and capped it all off with a beautiful brace.

Jonathan Clauss (CB) - 9

The French defender was key for Olympique de Marseille in their goalless draw game against Toulouse. With over 70 attempted passes in the game, Clauss achieved 81% pass accuracy rate while swinging in 5 crosses and completing 2 long balls infield. He also won a game-high of 2 fouls.

João Cancelo (RB) - 8.7

 The Portuguese fullback had a full home debut to remember with Barcelona thumping Real Betis by 5 goals to nil. Cancelo scored a beauty to cap off a five-star performance by the Catalans at the Estadio Olimpico. He also ended the game with the most dribbles (6).

David Raum (LB) - 9

The flying German fullback owned the left flank in Leipzig's comfortable 3-0 victory over Augsburg. Even playing at left back, Raum ended the game with 2 shots on target, most in the game. He also attempted 5 tackles successfully and won 3 tackles in return.

Pedro Neto ((LM) - 8.5

The fleet-footed Portuguese was a handful for the Liverpool defense in their 1-3 victory at the Molineux. Neto continued his fine early season form when he grabbed his fourth assist for the season after setting up Hwang Hee-Chan for the game's opener.

Bryan Cristante (CM) - 9.5

The wokerholic Italian midfielder gleefully anchored José Mourinho side in a demolishing exercise at the Stadio Olimpico. AS Roma finally got their season up and running after a disastrous start and in the thick of affairs was Cristante. He starred in Roma's 7 nil whooping of Empoli scoring once and assisting twice in the process. The combative midfielder ended the game with 87% pass accuracy while completing 3 accurate long balls and making an interception.

Henrik Mkhitaryan (RM) - 9

The 'Armenian Messi's was indeed in full flow in the Derby della Madonnina as Inter Milan thrashed their city rivals AC Milan by 5 goals to 1. Mikhitaryan's 5th minute opener clearly unsettled the Rossoneris and set them up for slaughter. A dazzling and combative display in the middle of the pitch saw him take 4 shots on target which was the most in the game.

Serhou Guirassy (SS) - 9.5

The stout Guinean attacker was the star of the show at the OPEL Arena where Stuttgart beat Mainz 05 1-3. A complete all-round performance saw Guirassy score all three of Stuttgart's goals. He completed 2 dribbles, won 9 aerial duels and was fouled 3 times in the game.

Terem Igobor Moffi (SS) - 8.5

A Nigerian star in the making, the slick attacker helped OGC Nice shock PSG at their own backyard. A brilliant brace Moffi and an assist by Moffi ensured that The Eaglets left Parc de Princes with 3 points in a thrilling 2-3 win.

Robert Lewandowski (ST) - 9

In a game where many of Barcelona's stars came to the party, the obvious outstanding performer was Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. In doing his normal routine by scoring Barça's second goal, Lewandowski turned provider to assist both Raphinha and Cancelo in the second half.

Joshua Afari | afarijosh99@gmail.com