#TalentRadar | A regular feature on our website is the Talent Radar Team of the Week with the best young players compiled into an XI from across Europe’s top six leagues. You can read this for details on what is Talent Radar and what we have planned in it for the 2014-15 season.
The first Talent Radar Team of the Week, of the season, sees only the French Ligue 1, the Dutch Eredivisie and the Community Shield game feature. Options were thus less to pick from but besides the midfield, the other positions were a no-brainer.
Maxime Dupé | Nantes | France | Goalkeeper | 21: In the side only due to Remy Riou’s absence, Maxime Dupé was handed the chance to impress, something which he quite wasn’t able to as opponents Lens rarely threatened the Nantes goal. But he did manage a clean-sheet and one meaningful save, with no real competition, he makes the first Team of the Week.
Mike van der Hoorn | Ajax | Netherlands | Centre-Back | 21: With hopes of featuring regularly under De Boer as Ajax look to win a 5th straight title, Mike van der Hoorn had a largely quiet game in defence, having it under control with Moisander. He made his mark at the other end with the simplest of headers from a Schone corner as the 6’3″ Hoorn proved a difficult match for Vitesse’s defence. Ajax ofcourse helping themselves to a 4-1 win.
Calum Chambers | Arsenal | England | Centre-Back | 19: Playing in a rather unfamiliar central role, as expected, Calum Chambers won the hearts of Arsenal supporters on his debut in the Community Shield. The City attack was non-existent as Chambers made a super bow at Wembley, making an incredible 5 interceptions (in addition to 2 tackles) showing his excellent reading of the game, in a role he should probably expect to feature in more. // Detailed Scout Report on Calum Chambers. He appeared in our 100 best young players to watch in 2014 list.
Ruben Ligeon | Ajax | Netherlands | Right-Back | 22: Although Ligeon was absolutely superb defensively down Ajax’ right in their 4-1 win over Vitesse, making six tackles and keeping Zakaria Labyad quiet, he also contributed going forward setting up the opening goal with the perfect cross for Schone as the Vitesse defence left a gaping hole in the heart of their box. As for Hoorn’s goal, faults have to be pointed at Vitesse’s defence, but take nothing away from the cross. Note that Ligeon is 7 days above the age limit but we’ve made an exception.
Terence Kongolo | Feyernoord | Netherlands | Left-Back | 20: In a rather dull game, Feyernoord emerged 1-0 winners over Den Haag. There wasn’t much from Kongolo in terms of contribution as he took up a decent defensive role with the back-line. Again, a lack of further options prompted him into this XI rather than a pick made purely on merit. Must be said though, he could expect to play more centrally often after Feyernoord lost their dependable duo of Martins Indi & De Vrij.
Albert Rusnak | Cambuur | Slovakia | Midfielder | 20: Keenly watched by supporters of Premier League champions Manchester City, Rusnak started his Eredivisie loan in perfect fashion. A free-kick to the top corner in the early proceedings helped him announce himself to his new supporters. Positioned centrally in Cambuur’s set-up, all the play is expected to go through the 20-year-old as they look to him for creativity. More free-kicks like that will do him no harm.
Valentin Lavigne | Lorient | France | Winger | 20: Young Frenchman Lavigne could not have asked for a better start to his senior career. With the score tied at 1-1 and hosts Monaco reduced to 10 men, Valentin Lavigne was thrown on with just nine minutes to go. As a huge gap existed with Carvalho’s sending off, it left Lavigne with a tempting run into attack as fellow Talent Radar youngster Rafidine Abdullah picked him out with a defence splitting past. Pace, composure and the finish, Lavigne scored with 3 minutes left to ensure runners-up Monaco started on a poor note at home under their new boss.
Memphis Depay | PSV Eindhoven | Netherlands | Winger | 20: He followed on from last season’s success and a wonderful World Cup with a superb start to the new season. First he ran at the Willem II defence with a trademark solo effort, taking on the oncoming defenders, then went on to set one up for himself. A neat through ball to Wijnaldum from deep won his side a penalty and opposition keeper Lamprou a red, with Depay getting his brace from the spot kick. A typical day’s work for him. // Detailed Scout Report on Memphis Depay. He appeared in our 100 best young players to watch in 2014 list. Report of his World Cup performance.
Jürgen Locadia | PSV Eindhoven | Netherlands | Striker | 20: Locadia, like Depay, was another young talent who grabbed attention at PSV Eindhoven last season, but as then he again fell in the shadows of his compatriot. Though he did get on the scoresheet early after a mistake from the aforementioned Lamprou, his impact wasn’t quite as far-reaching as Depay but he was his usual self using his strength & experience from last season in the attacking line-up.
Muamer Tankovic | AZ Alkmaar | Sweden | Striker | 19: After failing to impress with Fulham, Tankovic got off to a flying start with his new life in the Netherlands, fully equipped with a goal and an “i’m here” Ronaldo celebration. He looked confident as he tried to get more into the game, being credited with the assist for the second and scoring the third after reacting quickest to an initial saved shot. The likes of Berghuis & Hupperts were regulars in our Talent Radar Team of the Weeks last season, but have now passed the age limit, with Tankovic possibly the replacement.
Yaya Sanogo | Arsenal | France | Striker | 21: Much debated among football circles but popular among Arsenal supporters, Sanogo took the chance he was given at the Community Shield to impress with open arms. Leading the line he did extremely well in holding up play and bringing others into it. Supported by a creative midfield he did well to indirectly assist Cazorla’s opening goal, then showed good strength & composure to set-up Aaron Ramsey for the second. Never thought we’d see Sanogo in our Talent Radar feature but the opportunist deserves his spot.
NEXT WEEK →
Written by Sami Faizullah. He is the Chief Editor of this website.
