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 seven leagues. You can read this for all details on Talent Radar, who is eligible under it and what else we publish within this feature.
[Max. Age Limit: 22 years old on match-day for outfield players, 23 years old for goalkeepers]
SPAL made their Serie A return after 49 years out of the top division, with goalkeeper Alfred Gomis impressing, pulling off a number of saves to earn his side a commendable 0-0 draw away to a Lazio side that were still on a high following the 3-2 win over Juventus.
At centre-back, Timo Kehrer put in a solid display making seven successful tackles to ensure Schalke continue their unbeaten opening day run stretching back 25 years as they beat RB Leipzig. He’s partnered in the centre of defence by Stoke City’s newest recruit, Kurt Zouma, who put in a fantastic display at home to Arsenal having joined from their London rivals Chelsea. At right full-back, Kenny Tete marked his Lyon home debut with a goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bordeaux while on the other side, Monaco’s Jorge impressed and thus began the process of overcoming the loss of one Benjamin Mendy in the summer.
This week’s XI has a three man midfield and three impressive performances to boot. Nabil Bentaleb put in a fantastic shift which culminated with him scoring the opening goal from the spot, Adrien Rabiot had his own impressive display to celebrate scoring a superb long range goal to give PSG the lead at the time against Toulose, his side would go on to score four more post that. Sporting’s new signing, Bruno Fernandes, completes the midfield – the Portuguese opened the scoring against Vitoria in just the third minute before adding to it at the hour mark as his side emerged 5-0 winners away from home.
A front three rounds of this week’s XI with plenty of fantastic options to choose from. On the right wing, American Christian Pulisic staked his claim with a neat first half goal and a quick second half assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to tap into in a 3-0 win away to Wolfsburg. Uruguayan Maxi Gomez made his La Liga debut in perfect fashion scoring a two goal poachers-brace at home to Real Sociedad, same can’t be said about his side Celta Vigo as despite his efforts they opened the season with a 3-2 loss. Brazilian Malcom rounds of the XI after his brace helped Bordeaux secure that earlier mentioned 3-3 draw against Lyon.