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]
Jerome Prior // Bordeaux // 20 // Goalkeeper: The 20 year old keeper has had a great start to life in Ligue 1. He made it to the ToTW for the first time a few months back. He’s back in the side after an excellent performance this weekend as his side kept a clean sheet against Marsielle. He made 4 saves, and more impressively, 5 claims this past weekend.
Daniele Rugani // Juventus // 21 // Centre Back: They may have had it harder this time around when compared to before but Juventus are inching towards yet another Serie A. This week saw them come from behind to seal a 2-1 win against Milan. At the back with a solid performance was none other than Daniele Rugani. The young defender made 2 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 clearances to keep the Milan attack at bay.
Niklas Sule // Hoffenheim // 20 // Centre Back: Hoffenheim came away with 3 valuable points after an important win against Eintracht Frankfurt. With the threat of relegation hanging over the head of both teams, the away side defended well to preserve the clean sheet with Niklas Sule and Fabian Schar solid at the back. Sule was impressive on the night making as many as 6 clearances.
Samuel Umtiti // Lyon // 22 // Centre Back: Lyon are locked in a battle to be the best of the rest in Ligue 1 and drew level with Monaco after a 2-0 win at Montpellier. The clean sheet saw Talent Radar veteran, as oxymoronic as the term may be, Samuel Umtiti make yet another appearance in our TOTW segment. The left-footed defender was assured on the ball as we’ve come to expect from him along with 3 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 3 clearances.
Talent Radar Player Rankings 2015-16
Denis Suarez // Villarreal // 22 // Right Winger: Denis Suarez has had a very productive week for Villarreal as he played a key role in both victories. The Spaniard was too much for Sparta Prague to handle as he created an incredible 9 chances in the game, including the assist for the winner. He followed that up with the opening goal in the 2-0 win against Getafe which sealed his place in this week’s TOTW.
Eric Dier // Tottenham Hotspur // 22 // Central Midfielder: Yet another appearance in the ToTW for Dier, after yet another convincing performance at the base of midfield. Dier has been just one highlight of an incredible season for Spurs, and his tireless drive from midfield have propelled his team to countless victories. The opposition had more possession this weekend, but 4 interceptions and 3 tackles from midfield kept the threat at bay. Moreover, his passing from deep has been, and was important again. The fact that he provides yet another option in midfield from deep to set up play adds a great dimension.
Delle Alli // Tottenham Hotspur // 20 // Central Midfielder: While it may not be the best present he’s received, and it really isn’t a gift, but Delle Alli has marked his 20th birthday with an appearance in our ToTW. A revelation after his move from MK Dons, Alli has gone from strength to strength this season. A true all rounder, Alli has made great contributions all over the pitch, and opened the deadlock against United after a gut busting run.
Ouasim Bouy // PEC Zwolle // 22 // Central Midfielder: Bouy had a great weekend in a fantastic win for Zwolle against Roda, playing a part in all 3 of the goals that the team scored. Buoy got on the scoresheet twice, and made an assist as well. Importantly, he was like a hot knife running through butter. He took 3 shots, and all of them were on target. He also made 4 key passes, and the margin of victory could have been much larger if Zwolle had finished better.
Maxwell Cornet // Lyon // 19 // Left Winger: Cornet has become the biggest star at Lyong very quickly, in recent weeks especially, overshadowing the likes of Lacazette and Fekir. Cornet scored twice this weekend, with just 2 shots, to propel his side to a 0-2 win away at Montpellier. He also completed 2 dribbles. It looks like Lyon have a solid youth set up, and Cornet is simply the latest graduate of a fantastic program.
Divock Origi // Liverpool // 20 // Striker: Origi was part of the Ligue 1 worst XI last season, and Rodgers’ decision to bring him to Anfield for this season was widely derided. But Klopp has managed to turn water to wine, and Origi has stepped up impressively in the absence of players like Danny Ings and Christian Benteke. He scored in Europe away at Dortmund this week, and scored a good brace in the Premier league against a strong Stoke City team.
Sebastien Haller // Utrecht // 21 // Striker: Haller is one of our favourites at OOTB, and this is one of several appearances he has made this season on the ToTW. The forward has been a vital cog for Utrecht, scoring important goals throughout the campaign.
Read all our Talent Radar Team of the Week articles here
