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 all details on Talent Radar, who is eligible under it and what else we publish within this feature.
[Eligibility: As of 1st June 2015 – 21 years old and below for outfield players // 22 years old and below for goalkeepers]
Jan Oblak // Atletico Madrid // 22 // Goalkeeper: The job of a goalkeeper is probably the toughest job in football, but Jan Oblak does his best to make it look easy. The former Benfica man is the last line of defence for Atletico Madrid, and has always done a good job, including this past weekend against Eibar. The Rojiblancos had some scares before two second half goals sealed the deal for them, but as always, Oblak was there to keep things tidy at the back.
Matthias Ginter // Dortmund // 21 // Defender: Ginter has been a revelation at right back for Dortmund who have raced out of the blocks under Tuchel. He has been a very steady attacking force, contributing goals and assists, along with helping Dortmund shore things up at the back as well. The game against Leverkusen showcased his defensive prowess, as the German made 7 tackles to thwart Leverkusen. In addition, he also won the penalty that led to Aubameyang’s goal. Such performances wont hurt his image in Low’s eyes ahead of the Euro’s.
Kurt Zouma // Chelsea // 20 // Defender: Mourinho said before the match that he was conscious to his opponents style of play, which basically meant that Terry wasn’t going to be put on for Walcott to torture. And rightly so, as Zouma, Chelsea’s most consistent defender (and player) this season shut down the England speed merchant. Most memorable was a crunching tackle which he won despite slipping just before Walcott got close to him, as if to justify his selection over Terry. And all that is without mentioning his most crucial touch of the game, the header that put Chelsea ahead just after half time.
Karim Rekik // Marsielle // 20 // Defender: Two of the title chasing sides from last season clashed, and Marsielle were up against it in front of their doting supporters, as they were a man down, and a goal down, going into half time. The point was rescued however, as a second half goal from Karim Rekik proved enough. The Dutch defender not only ensured the point with his goal, but also made a huge contribution at the back, with tackles, interceptions, and clearances helping to keep Lyon at bay.
Ricardo Pereira // Nice // 21 // Defender: Nice recorded a splendid win away at Bastia to continue their fine run of form on the road. The player who was a regular on the right wing in earlier days of his career, had a great time in this game, with his two assists being complemented by an incredible show in defence. 7 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 clearances are the numbers of a man in form, and Ricardo clearly made the difference for Nice in this victory.
Thomas Lemar // Monaco // 19 // Midfielder: In an exciting match that ultimately ended in defeat for Monaco, Thomas Lemar made quite the impression. The youngster who played on the right, did quite a bit to trouble the opposition, with his dribbling and pace drawing defenders and fouls. He made a vital contribution going forward, scoring once, and assisting Toure’s goal.
Didier Ndong // Lorient // 21 // Midfielder: Another participant of the exciting 2-3 game in Ligue over the weekend, Ndong also was a key player for Lorient, propelling them towards the win with a dynamic all round display. Ndong scored a goal himself, and got another shot on target as well. But his defensive contributions were also quite evident, as the player made 2 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 clearances.
Angel Correa // Atletico Madrid // 20 // Midfielder: Angel Correa’s Atletico Madrid career started off one year too late because of a devastating injury, but the Argentine has begun this year, and made the most of it. Atletico were laboring to break down Eibar, but his introduction made an immediate difference, as he combined with fellow substitute Fernando Torres to find the back of the net. A little later he returned the favour as Torres doubled the lead. While the likes of Vietto and Jackson have so far struggled to adapt, Angel Correa’s form will be a huge boost for Simeone, as it keeps them close to the top.
Kingsley Coman // Bayern Munich // 20 // Midfielder: One of the principal reasons Coman made the move to Munich was to get playing time and guidance from one of the very best in the business. Based on what we’ve seen so far, he’s made the right decision. Strangely for Bayern, the untouchable wing combo of Robbery was completely absent, with Costa and Coman (CoCo, anyone?) making the wide areas their own. Coman found the back of the net, but that wasn’t all. A potentially awkward clash at Darmstadt was dealt with easily thanks to a skillful display from Bayern. Coman alone made 3 dribbles and attracted many fouls in this game.
Anthony Martial // Manchester United // 19 // Striker: Louis Saha and Federico Macheda may not be the finest footsteps to follow in a United jersey, but scoring on your first two appearances simply cannot be a bad thing. Martial may be raw, unproven, and overpriced, but he makes the difference for United right now. His brace either side of half time put United firmly in control after the Saints rocked their boat early on. The composed turn for the first goal was quite magnificent, and another calmly placed finish in the bottom corner got United the points, and that’s exactly what they paid for.
Antonio Sanabria // Sporting Gijon // 19 // Striker: Sanabria did his business early in a madcap first half at the Riazor. 2 goals in the first 10 minutes put Gijon in the drivers seat, and had Deportivo chasing them through the game. The young forward certainly did his fair share of work for the side, and his two strikes ended up being the crucial contribution in a tight game.
Read all our Talent Radar Teams of the Week here.
