Team of the Week. 30 September to 6 October

Goalkeeper

David de Gea (Fiorentina)

The former Manchester United man saved two penalties and pulled off another brilliant save to ensure Fiorentina ran out eventual winners in their 2-1 victory against AC Milan. This was the third penalty he’s faced as a Fiorentina goalkeeper, and he maintains a 100% record. 

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

An accomplished performance from the full-back as Liverpool kept a clean sheet and took all three points from an awkward-looking clash against Crystal Palace. He showed his creative side with brilliant passes to open up space and start attacks. 

Michael Keane (Everton)

The defender helped Sean Dyche’s side to a clean sheet against Newcastle. He made up for the failings of James Tarkowski, mopping up after him as Everton turned on the solidity and robustness to shut Newcastle out for the point. 

Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

Diogo Dalot has been underwhelming this season; however, he has shown consistency for Manchester United in recent years. The fullback, who can play left-back or right-back, was important for Erik Ten Hag’s side, helping them to an important result and point at Villa Park against the high-flying Aston Villa.

Youssouf Ndayishimiye (Nice)

The defender marshaled the Nice defense against PSG on Sunday. Although they conceded one goal, they left PSG unable to exert the dominance they typically display in Ligue 1 matches. Ndayishimiye is the reason why Nice ended up taking a point in this clash.

Midfielders

Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City)

Kovačić got two goals in Manchester City’s win against Fulham. While the brace will grab the headlines, Kovacic was brilliant in the middle of the pack, nicking the ball and injecting a high tempo to the match as Guardiola’s side look to cope without the injured Rodri.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Gravenberch was excellent for Arne Slot’s side as they got a vital three points at Selhurst Park. He looks like a powerhouse and is showing signs of improvement in the Reds’ engine room, and will be crucial for them after the international break as Liverpool look to push on in the title race. 

Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)

Lining up alongside Luka Modrić and Eduardo Camavinga in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, Valverde was the pick of the bunch in Los Blancos’ 2-0 home triumph over Villarreal. Valverde’s hard graft, pressing, and brilliant precision play have provided a fine balance to a team that can seem top-heavy with Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. He grabbed a goal to seal the three points for Real Madrid. 

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

With two assists and a goal, Arsenal’s wide man marked an influential match at the Emirates Stadium. An excellent performance from the Englishman against Southampton helped the Gunners make light work of a match that looked increasingly like a banana skin for large swathes of the clash.

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s main man was at hand to drive Hansi Flick’s men to victory away to Alaves on Sunday. The Pole’s exploits returned the Blaugrana to winning ways and to the top of the table after nine rounds of fixtures. 

The former Bayern Munich striker is hitting form for Barcelona as they look to press home their early dominance and build a robust lead, which currently stands at 3 points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Another hattrick hero, Marcus Thuram, took control of the champions’ match against Torino with a sublime three goals to lift Simone Inzaghi’s side to victory in a thrilling 3-2 match. Thuram is showing signs of settling in at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in his second season, and his hattrick underlines his increasingly brilliant form and importance to the Nerazzurri.